If you are not lucky enough to get a ticket to a show at La Scala during your visit to Milan, you can still peek into the theater by going through this museum. Displays are all based on music; paintings, instruments, porcelain, sheet music, busts and costumes for example.
The inside of the building is lovely. Staircases are filled with posters of shows past. There is also a library collection here of music inspired books. It was quite interesting to see the different paintings of famous singers, composers and conductors, and to learn a little of their contribution to La Scala.
On days where there is no rehearsal in progress you have an opportunity to view the inside of the theater from the 4th balcony level, across from the stage. It was very interesting to see the 'boxes' where patrons sit to view a show. Chairs are stacked inside the box and a diagram on the door to the box shows how the six seats are to be arranged. Other than the floor level, I did not realize the theater still had boxes, not seat rows and that the chairs are not bolted to the floor. Seeing a show here must feel like stepping back in time.
Even if you are not a music lover and do not have a great interest in seeing Verdi's piano or the antique Lyre or Lute, just getting a glimpse inside the theater makes this worth a visit and it's a quick stop on your tour of Milan. read more