La Scala Theatre: Tickets and Tours

The most important opera house in Italy, Teatro Alla Scala, sits right in the heart of Milan. La Scala has been operating since the late 1700s and is still one of the most prominent theatres in the world thanks to its continued contributions to the world of classical arts.

The theatre has a captivating museum that invites visitors to explore its long history. Learn about how Giuseppe Verdi had his start here and how modern opera heroes like Maria Callas continued the art into the 20th century.

You will find below all you need to know about visiting the Teatro Alla Scala, one of the most classical attractions in Milan.

How much do La Scala Theatre tickets cost?

The La Scala Theatre Museum ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: €12
• Discounted ticket (student over 12 and seniors over 65): €8
• Children under 12 and persons with disabilities: Free

The La Scala Theatre entrance fee only includes access to the museum so book a guided tour for more in-depth access to the whole building.

Basic tours last 45 minutes and cost €25 per person but these are only available once a day if rehearsals are not in progress. A personalized 60-minute tour at a time that suits your schedule costs €50 per person.

Who is eligible for discounts?

If you book 2 adults and 2 students tickets you are eligible for the family discount.

Children under 12 can get in for free along with people with disabilities and members of the armed forces. Students and senior are eligible for the discounted entrance ticket.

What are the best La Scala Theatre tours?

You can get La Scala Museum entry and explore the exhibits at your own pace or book a guided tour for more in-depth access and insight into this landmark of the arts.

Museum Entrance

You only get access to the museum but online bookings allow you to fast-track past the queues.

Guided Tour

A guided tour offers you the chance to see more of the theater and go behind the scenes for a more comprehensive experience.

Private Tours

A private guided tour is the most privileged way of exploring the intricacies of the theater. Choose a time that is comfortable for you and enjoy a small group size.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including La Scala Theatre and other attractions?

• La Scala Museum, Duomo and Last Supper tickets: Visit three of the most culturally significant locations in Milan, including a look at Da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper.
• La Scala Museum ticket and Milan City Tour: Enjoy a 3-hour Milan city tour to see the marvelous historic sites including the temple of music, La Scala.
• La Scala Museum and Duomo ticket: Skip the long lines at the Milan Duomo and La Scala theatre with a pre-purchased fast-track ticket.
• La Scala Museum ticket and Church of San Fedele tour: Pay a visit to one of the lesser-known religious beacons in Milan after a tour of La Scala.

Should you book La Scala Theatre Tours tickets in advance?

Booking a La Scala Theatre ticket in advance allows you to bypass the lines at the entrance.

The tour options to La Scala Theatre are limited, with only one tour per day in English. Each tour is also limited to 20 participants.

Book your La Scala Theatre Tour ticket in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.

The tour schedule can also be interrupted by theatre rehearsals and performances so booking in advance is important.

What will you see inside the La Scala Theatre?

La Scala is a monument for music and theatre lovers, housing a vast collection of historic artifacts from the arts. Some of the highlights include Verdi's death mask, Liszt's Steinway grand piano, and costumes worn by Maria Callas during her heyday as an opera singer.

The museum also houses a large art collection with paintings of notable 19th-century prima donnas like Giuditta Pasta, Isabella Colbran and Maria Malibran and composers Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti.

Museum entry also allows you to see the inside of the grand theatre from a box on the third level. A La Scala guided tour will give you further access to historic boxes, the royal box, the foyer and stalls and take you on a backstage tour of the stage’s mechanized movement system.

How to get to the La Scala Theatre?

La Scala Theatre is in Zone 1 of Milan which is the most central area of the city. It is on Via Filodrammatici with Plaza Della Scala at its front.

The Teatro Alla Scala tram stop is at the entrance of the theatre and sits on the orange number one tram line.

It is also within walking distance from the Duomo and the Duomo Metro stop.

When is the best time to visit the La Scala Theatre?

Look at the online theatre schedule to see when the theatre is illuminated to have the best experience. Museum tickets offer you the chance to peek inside the theatre from one of the third-level boxes and full illumination is ideal.

There are also times with partial illumination but you should avoid times when the theatre is completely dark.

Which other attractions can be visited in Milan?

• Duomo Milano Cathedral
• Da Vinci’s Last Supper
• Sforza Castle
• Casa Milan
• Leonardo’s Vineyard
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Travel tips

• Look online at rehearsal times to avoid missing out on a peek inside the theatre.
• Book your tour in advance as group sizes are small and space is limited.
• There are generally no performances in August, increasing your chances to get the full theater experience.