The 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics already promise to be a celebration of the union between design and sport. Organized in the spirit of Italian elegance, contemporary visual culture, and sustainability, the Games will be about far more than snow and competition—they will embody cultural expression at its finest.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, taking place from February 6 to 22, will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The two cities could not be more different in character: one represents vibrant urban modernity, while the other embodies the timeless charm of the Alps. Sixteen sports and a total of 116 events will unfold across several regions of Italy. Milan will host the ice sports and major indoor competitions, while Cortina will set the stage for alpine disciplines—from skiing to bobsleigh and ice hockey. Additional venues in Bormio, Livigno, and Valtellina will also play key roles, with most locations relying on existing infrastructure—a conscious effort to promote environmental responsibility and reuse. A major novelty of the Games will be the debut of ski mountaineering as an official Olympic sport for the first time in history, signaling both the evolution of winter sports and a shift toward more extreme, nature-oriented disciplines. But Milan–Cortina 2026 is more than a sporting event—it is a cultural convergence, where the refined worlds of Italian design, architecture, and gastronomy meet the raw dynamism of winter athletics. The organizers promise that the Games will embody the essence of Italian style—modern, elegant, and passionately expressive—blending heritage with contemporary spirit in a single iconic celebration.
A few days ago at the Triennale Milano, the Official Iconic Posters for the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, created by artists Olimpia Zagnoli and Carolina Altavilla, were unveiled. The Iconic Posters have become a long-standing part of the Games’ narrative, translating the identity of each edition into visual form and becoming cultural symbols over time. With Milano Cortina 2026, this tradition evolves through a contemporary and inclusive lens: the two works feature the “Italian Spirit” through a visual narrative that unites competition and enthusiasm, while putting the spotlight on the host territories. The art works of Olimpia Zagnoli and Carolina Altavilla present two complementary visions of a unique identity: that of the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, a visual tale celebrating the plurality of expressions and the symbolic power of art. Olimpia Zagnoli’s signature design captures the essence of the Games, the energy and personality of those who live them, blending the DNA of the city and nature, of Milan and Cortina. Her use of direct and vibrant language creates a symbolic vision. The poster becomes an emblem of the Olympic spirit: an open gaze of the world that enthusiastically celebrates diversity through elements that represent us all. The Paralympic Iconic Poster by Carolina Altavilla pays tribute to the collective dimension and inclusive force of the Games. The artwork describes the ability of sport to unite, support and inspire, shaping a universal message of belonging and solidarity. With a contemporary style, free from stereotypes, the poster highlights athletes’ determination and energy. The message “We participate as a community” further expresses a shared vision: to participate, together, as part of a single story.
Photos: official press release