Milan’s iconic La Scala opera house is cracking down on dress code, with stricter rules to maintain the venue’s centuries-old tradition of elegance and propriety. The move follows a rise in complaints about tourists arriving in slacks and flip-flops, which many find too informal for one of the world’s most revered cultural landmarks. So now, if you’re planning to attend a performance, leave the inappropriate beachwear behind.
Since the 19th century, La Scala, renowned throughout the world as a temple of opera and classical music, has historically maintained a formal dress code, by which the high society elite had to follow accordingly and wear evening attire such as suits and dresses. But the last few years have seen an influx of visitors coming to the venue more like a mass tourist destination than as a prestigious arts space. In response, opera house management has decided to apply stricter dress code rules. While the policy itself isn’t new, staff are now more visibly enforcing it, turning away those who arrive in overly casual clothing.
“The public is kindly requested to dress in keeping with the decorum of the theatre, out of respect for the theatre and for other viewers,” La Scala’s policy reads. “People wearing shorts or sleeveless T-shirts will not be allowed inside the auditorium; in this case, tickets will not be reimbursed.”
Torna in vigore alla Scala il dress code che non era mai stato cancellato ma negli ultimi anni non veniva fatto rispettare. Sono una serie di indicazioni minime elencate nei cartelli in teatro: niente canotte, pantaloncini corti e neppure infradito #ANSAhttps://t.co/x8BsfAC7T4 pic.twitter.com/P02OX8aGX2
— Agenzia ANSA (@Agenzia_Ansa) July 6, 2025
The decision aims to uphold the opera house’s reputation and enhance the overall experience for all attendees. The new enforcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding the return to tradition and others criticising it as too rigid or exclusionary.
However, La Scala insists it isn’t trying to intimidate or exclude anyone, emphasising that the rules aren’t new. “We are delighted that some of our audience members consider an evening at La Scala to be a special occasion and dress accordingly, but our priority is to welcome everyone and make sure they feel comfortable,” the spokesperson told The Independent.
“This is precisely why, in 2015, we introduced restrictions on clothing that could cause discomfort to other audience members who have to share the often limited space of an 18th-century theatre. “With the return of summer (an especially hot one), we reminded the audience of these rules, which have remained unchanged for ten years. “It would not be right to tell spectators how to dress, but it is necessary that they do dress, as not to cause discomfort to other people,” the spokesperson added.
The intention is to preserve a sense of appreciation, both for the art, performers, and fellow audience, maintaining the balance between accessibility and respect. In an old theatre, with narrow seats and little elbow room, sitting next to someone in damp gym wear or barely-there outfits can feel uncomfortable and awkward, especially in a place where tradition still carries weight. In other words, the opera house isn’t demanding tuxedos or gowns – just a little effort.
As Milan continues to attract tourists from around the world, La Scala hopes that these rules will encourage visitors to honour the heritage of the venue and embrace its cultural significance by dressing accordingly, as not only respectful behaviour but appropriate clothing matters.
