Dress code in opera and theatre: what is allowed?

Going to the opera in beach clothes? That’s strictly forbidden at Milan’s La Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses.

“Out of respect for the theatre and the other spectators, the audience is asked to dress in accordance with the decorum of the theatre,” its website states.

“People wearing shorts or sleeveless T-shirts will be denied access to the auditorium,” it says in more detail. But it’s not just admission that is prohibited: the tickets will not be refunded either. According to a notice posted at the entrance to the theatre and online, wearing casual sandals like flip-flops is also not permitted. The beach look should remain on the beach, or (as Milan is inland) in the street cafés. A neat outfit is required – presumably the fancier the better.

A look inside La Scala in Milan: the dress code at the world-famous concert hall in northern Italy is a little stricter than elsewhere © Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Royal Opera House in London has similar requirements for visitors; though the rules leave more room for interpretation. “We want everyone to feel comfortable and able to engage with what is happening on stage, and so we encourage audiences and visitors to wear whatever they feel comfortable wearing.” But even here, too much skin – especially on the toes – is not welcome. “We only ask that you are fully clothed, with your feet and torso covered, and that clothing does not display any offensive language or imagery.”

Relaxed Luxembourg

Anyone who thinks that similar rules surely apply in the Grand Duchy is mistaken. The current dress code in Luxembourg’s institutions is illustrated by a video that has generated numerous likes on Instagram. It shows influencer Melody Funck, who is usually dressed fashionably, in various rooms at the Philharmonie. The Luxembourger, who has around 371,000 followers on Instagram, alternates between different looks in front of the camera: sometimes in an elaborate evening gown, sometimes in a dress with a wide neckline, also in short pyjamas and in “athleisure” wear (trendy sportswear that has been converted into streetwear).

The message of the video and its caption is that there is no prescribed dress code in the Philharmonie. “A smart dress, a casual outfit or even your favourite trainers: the most important thing is that you feel comfortable so that you can enjoy the concert to the full.” Anyone who has visited the concert hall recently will be able to confirm this statement. The audience is a colourful mix; here, business people in fine threads as well as schoolchildren in sweatshirts and jeans listen to the sounds on offer.

And what about bare feet? “”We invite people to come as they are, even in flip-flops – in compliance with the law, of course,” said Fatima Rougi, press spokesperson for the Kirchberg concert hall.

So, an Adam and Eve look – or, tailored to Luxembourg: an appearance in the style of artist Deborah De Robertis – would not be the best idea. Probably not even at a guest performance by the Naked String Quartet, who perform completely naked. At least that’s what they do at their home venue, the world-famous Berlin Kitkat Club, a place where most visitors also show a lot of skin.

The Philharmonie in Luxembourg generally focuses on diversity when it comes to its audience, Rougi emphasised, saying everyone is welcome in the magnificent building on the Place de l’Europe, regardless of origin, age or style.

“Some come straight from the office, others prefer to dress more elegantly, others simply wear clothes they feel comfortable in. Jogging bottoms or pleated skirt? It doesn’t matter, the main thing is that the rows fill up. A motto that could open up new target groups for many a house with concerns about the future – alongside an appealing programme.

Colourful also works in the theatre

The same applies to a visit to the Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg. Anyone with tickets for the opera La Bohème at the Grand Théâtre or the play Connemara at the Capucins Theatre, for example, need not worry about their outfit, press spokesperson Anne-Laure Letellier said. “Basically, we don’t have a formal dress code.”

The two theatres try to be open and inviting places where everyone should feel welcome, regardless of their style. The staff would only intervene if clothing or behaviour impair visibility, or the comfort or experience of other visitors. “Or it violates basic rules of respectful interaction.” In other words, she said: “It’s less about specific items of clothing and more about the impact on the audience as a whole.” It’s not all about modesty, but also about expansive winter coats not handed in at the cloakroom and blocking three seats.

A fountain on the outside, a source of fashionable diversity on the inside: visitors to the Grand Théâtre can also give free rein to their textile creativity © Photo credit: Chris Karaba

(This article was published by the Luxemburger Wort. Machine translated, with editing and adaptation by Alex Stevensson.)