The Teatro alla Scala, colloquially known as La Sc...

The Teatro alla Scala, colloquially known as La Scala, is the main opera house in Milan. Considered among the most prestigious theaters in the world, for 242 years it has hosted the main artists in the international field of opera and classical music.

The building, designed by Giuseppe Piermarini and inaugurated in 1778, was built on the ashes of the previous Ducal Theater, which was destroyed by a fire in 1776; owes its name to the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, demolished to make way for the New Regio Ducal Teatro alla Scala [2] [3] inaugurated on August 3, 1778, under the then reign of Maria Theresa of Austria, with Europe recognized as composed for the occasion by Antonio Salieri.

Since its foundation it has been the seat of the homonymous choir, [4] of the orchestra, [5] of the corps de ballet, [6] and since 1982 also of the Philharmonic. [7] The theater complex is located in the square of the same name, flanked by the Casino Ricordi, now home to the La Scala Theater Museum.