A massive structure without overwhelming. The drama on the plaza outside is even more interesting then the doings inside, at least in the daytime. Seems to be a drawing point for everybody with a viewpoint and a desire to get it across. A real Hyde park.

We purchased tickets for Madama Butterfly a few months before our trip. The theater was beautiful and the production was good, although I have heard voices in the US that were just as good if not better - but Italian opera in Italy! Fantastic! My only complaint about the theater si that it took forever to get our tickets from the box office - and we had already paid for them. Still, overall, it was a great experience.

Impressive both inside and outside, the Teatro Massimo is like much of Palermo; much of it is in good repair but there are still sections awaiting renovation. Two massive regal lion sculptures guard the entrance.
We joined an English language tour (small group) and explored the public and behind stage areas. Of especial interest are the visits to the Royal Box (anyone can book seats there but you have to book all 27 seats in one lot) and the round Echo Room where many a private political discussion is said to have taken place. Try to pick which are the false doors just by looking.
If you enjoy attending operas, check out their season offering beforehand. They had different operas almost every month but we missed the October performance by a night.

A very impressive building. We were lucky to arrive just before a tour was about to start. Tickets were 8 euro each. We had an english speaking guide. We started in the main gathering room (photo taking only allowed in this room) with an introduction to the history of the theatre, then we went inside. Wow! About 6 floors of viewing booths, and the Royal Booth front and centre. Unfortunately we could not see the stage area (apparently about 50m deep) because of a performance that night :-( A shame, because that was a key element of the theatre. We then went upstairs and into the Royal Booth. From there we walked through the Women's practice room and then into the Men's room, or Room of Echoes. Downstairs again and it was all over.
The guide was very entertaining, but I felt we should have/could have seen more 'behind the scenes' areas, and maybe a few tit-bits on some of the shows or performers that have played there.