The world-famous opera house reaches out to audiences.

Since its opening in 1778, La Scala, located in Milan, Italy, has commanded center stage in the world of opera. Its rich history includes both artistic events, such as the premieres of Verdi's Otello and Falstaff, and architectural milestones that trace the fascinating story of the opera house's historic building.

Events in La Scala's artistic and architectural heritage have merged a few times in its history, perhaps most notably after World War II. La Scala sustained extensive bombing damage during the war, and on May 11, 1946, Arturo Toscanini, one of history's most respected conductors and, at the time, La Scala's artistic director, conducted the concert that reopened the rebuilt La Scala. The opera house currently is undergoing a major restoration and renovation project, its first since the reopening in 1946.

"Teatro alla Scala became a private foundation in 1997," explains Francesca Agus of Teatro alla Scala, "and for this reason, changed its domain from .IT to .ORG."

La Scala uses its Web site to provide information and sell tickets to performances. It can be viewed in Italian, English, French and German.

www.teatroallascala.org