La Scala Museum Guide - What to See Inside

While tickets to an opera at La Scala can be hard to come by (and expensive), the La Scala Theatre Museum is accessible to everyone and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of music.

The Foyer of Statues

As you enter, you are greeted by the marble gazes of the composers who made this theatre legendary. Verdi, Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini all watch over the visitors. It is a pantheon of Italian opera.

The Livia Simoni Library

On the upper floor, you will find a library that looks like it was plucked from a fantasy novel. With over 150,000 volumes, it is a researcher's dream.

• Rare Manuscripts: Original scores in the composers' own handwriting (manuscripts).
• Librettos: Thousands of opera scripts dating back centuries.

The Costumes and Instruments

The museum houses a rotating collection of costumes worn by the stars, including Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi. You can also see:

• Franz Liszt's Piano: A Steinway given to the composer.
• Verdi's Spinet: An instrument from the maestro's youth.

The View from the Boxes

One of the highlights of the museum ticket is the chance to peek into the auditorium from one of the third-level boxes (provided there is no rehearsal in progress). It is the perfect photo op of the golden tiers and the massive chandelier.

Tip: The museum is included in the Milan Pass, but if you just want to buy a single ticket, it is relatively cheap (around €12).