The Magnificent Factory: 240 years of Teatro alla Scala, from Piermarini to Botta

4 december 2018 – 30 september 2019

The Scala's Theatrical Museum is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the 240-year architectural history of the theater, curated by Fulvio Irace and Pierluigi Panza and with design by Italo Lupi, Ico Migliore and Mara Servetto. From Piermarini to Sanquirico, from Secchi to Botta, the history of La Scala is intertwined with that of the City and the Country, reflecting social changes and technological transformations, up to the construction of the new building that will rise in Via Verdi in the coming years.

The exhibition recounts the development of a theater that since its birth has mirrored the city and its transformations: A theater of palchettisti that arose in solid stone after the fire of the Teatro di Corte, Piermarini's building has accommodated a constantly evolving society, reflecting its development: changes in furnishings and decorations have been joined by structural interventions that have made it a stage that is always on the cutting edge, even from a technical-architectural point of view. The recent and courageous renovation entrusted to architect Botta, completed on schedule, is a new testimony to the ability of our theater and of Milan to rethink itself according to new functional, artistic but also urbanistic needs while maintaining the right balance between constant renovation and the preservation of a historical-architectural heritage that is now the heritage of all humanity. In the coming years, Botta's project will be completed with the building on Via Verdi that will provide new spaces for artistic, technical and administrative activities making it even more efficient and coordinated. To tell this story that began 240 years ago and is still so vital is to tell the story of Milan's energy and excellence.

The dialogue between historical structure and new infrastructures shows the complexity but also the richness of this european city.
Mario Botta

Since its construction, La Scala reflected the city of Milan and its tranformations. Built in solid stone after the fire of the Court Theatre, Giuseppe Piermarini’s building welcomed a constant evolving society and his works shows all its progresses: Piermarini modified garments and furnitures, and conducted structural interventions to build a cutting edge stage. The most recent renovation was lead by the famous architect Mario Botta. His new project and the one of the building located in Verdi Street are the proof of La Scala and Milano’s ability to re think themselves in order to meet new urbanist, artistic and logistic expectations without loosing their historical and renowned identity.

This video explains the architectural evolution of the Teatro alla Scala from its founding in 1778 to the present.

Swiss architect Mario Botta led the major restoration of La Scala between 2002 and 2004. In this video, the architect explains the design of the new building on Via Verdi that has added space to the theater by giving the possibility of more rehearsal rooms.