Teatro Manzoni

Opened in 1870 it was originally called the Teatro sociale di Milano, before being renamed after Alessandro Manzoni following his death in 1873.

A growing reputation led to celebrated actors such as Eleonora Duse and Sarah Bernhardt appearing there.

In the twentieth century it remained a key venue until it was destroyed by Allied bombing in August 1943 during the Second World War.

The theatre moved to its current location and was rebuilt to designs by the architect Alziro Bergonzo, opening in 1950.

In 1978 ownership was acquired by Silvio Berlusconi's Fininvest, with artistic control passing to Luigi Foscale.