La Scala in Milan — one of the world’s most famous opera houses — is tightening its dress code: entry will be denied to anyone wearing shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops. In recent years, the Teatro alla Scala — the official name — had occasionally admitted guests dressed like tourists. That is now coming to an end.
In a notice on the Scala’s website, it states: “The management asks the audience to choose clothing that is appropriate to the theater’s standards and respectful of the theater itself and the other guests.” Otherwise, staff will exercise their right to refuse admission. There will also be no refunds.
At the same time, the opera house said that there will still be no obligation to wear formal evening attire or a mandatory necktie. Of course, staff will accommodate cultural differences: Japanese visitors in a kimono who wear traditional sandals are welcome in the hall. Sleeveless blouses will also remain allowed.
La Scala, with its roughly 2,000 seats, is also one of the most important tourist attractions in the northern Italian city. Many tour operators include opera tickets in their offerings. With the end of the 2024/25 season, La Scala will go into its summer break on July 18.
In recent years, the house had been fairly lenient toward paying guests whose attire was less than appropriate. The former general manager, Dominique Meyer, aimed to bring back a younger audience to the opera. However, it turned out that wardrobe issues tended to be a bigger problem for older guests, often from abroad.
Marcy Ellerton
