La Scala Theatre Museum

The Teatro alla Scala Museum, located at via Filodrammatici 2 in Milan, is one of the most important museums in the world dedicated to the history of theater and opera. Founded in 1913, the museum is closely linked to the famous Milanese opera house, Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s temples of music and theatrical culture. The museum not only tells the story of theater and its productions, but also preserves a rich heritage of documents, costumes, musical instruments, and set designs. The building that houses the museum is Palazzo Busca Galla, located next to Teatro alla Scala. This historic building has been renovated and adapted to accommodate the precious collections that tell the story of theater and opera from the 18th century to the present day. The structure itself is a piece of history, being linked to the evolution of theater and Milanese cultural life. One of the museum’s most precious collections is that of portraits, which includes images of composers, conductors, singers, and dancers who have made history at Teatro alla Scala. Among these, portraits of Giuseppe Verdi, Gioachino Rossini, Maria Callas, and Arturo Toscanini stand out. These portraits not only celebrate the great protagonists of theater history, but also offer a glimpse into the different cultural and artistic eras that have characterized Milan and Italy. The museum also houses an extraordinary collection of ancient musical instruments, including harpsichords, pianos, and wind instruments used in the theater’s historical productions. Many of these instruments, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, are testimonies to the evolution of music and instrumental technique. Among the most precious pieces is a piano that belonged to Franz Liszt, providing a direct connection to one of the greatest virtuosos in music history. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Teatro alla Scala Museum is its collection of stage costumes, including garments worn by some of the greatest performers in opera and dance. These costumes, often made with precious materials and decorated with great skill, tell the story of theatrical productions and the aesthetic taste of different eras. Among the most famous costumes are those worn by Maria Callas in her performances at La Scala, offering a unique insight into the career and personality of the diva. The museum also houses an important collection of sketches and set designs, documenting the evolution of stage art and theatrical scenography. These sketches, created by great artists such as Luchino Visconti and Franco Zeffirelli, testify to the importance of the visual and scenic component in theatrical productions. The attention to detail and creativity of the set designers are fundamental elements for the success of a show, and these works of art provide an idea of the work that takes place behind the scenes. An interesting anecdote concerns the inauguration of the museum, which took place in 1913 on the occasion of the centenary of Giuseppe Verdi’s birth. This choice is not random, as Verdi was one of the composers most closely associated with Teatro alla Scala, where many of his works had their premieres. The inauguration of the museum was a tribute to Verdi and his extraordinary career, marking the beginning of a new era for the preservation and enhancement of the theatrical and musical heritage.