Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pants of these seats, the
loggionisti,
are the opera's fiercest critics, famously boo-
ing tenor Roberto Alagna off stage in 2006, who was hurriedly replaced by under-
study Antonello Palombi in his jeans and T-shirt to quieten them.
Museo Teatrale alla Scala
In the theatre's
museum
( 02 8879 7473; Largo Ghiringhelli 1, Piazza della Scala; admission
€6; 9am-12.30pm, 1.30-5.30pm)
, portraits, harlequin costumes and a spinet in-
scribed with the command 'Inexpert hand, touch me not!' hint at centuries of Mil-
anese musical drama, both on and off stage. The museum's
Livia Simoni
Library
beckons buffs who want more.
Ansaldo Workshops
To glimpse the inner workings of La Scala visit the
workshops
OFFLINE MAP
(
www.teatroallascala.org
;
Via Bergognone 34; per person €5)
, where the stage sets are crafted
by more than 150 carpenters, blacksmiths and sculptors, and where some 800 to
1000 new costumes are handmade each season.
Top Tips
›
Both the ballet and opera season begin on 7 December, the Feast of Sant'Ambrogio.
›
If you have your heart set on attending an opera, book online at least a month in ad-
vance.
›
Dress to impress: this is a fashion town and a night at La Scala is still a grand occa-
sion.
›
Tour the Ansaldo Workshops (Tuesday and Thursday) to see the craft behind the
shows.
