The opulent interior of Milan's legendary opera house, Teatro alla Scala, displays its iconic horseshoe-shaped auditorium lined with tiers of gilded private boxes and plush crimson velvet seats. Inaugurated in 1778 and designed by Neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini, La Scala remains one of the premier opera and ballet venues in the world. Dominating the proscenium arch above the main curtain is the coat of arms of the City of Milan, completing a setting that has hosted premiere performances by Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, and Puccini.