Winter Olympics 2026 Milan Cortina blends sports and arts

Colorful iconic posters

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.

Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 developed the Iconic Posters project, with curatorship by Damiano Gullì for Triennale Milano, guided by expressive originality and contemporary visual coherence.

The process was carried out in close cooperation with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee. It followed the evaluation and approval phases, ensuring alignment with international guidelines and full respect of Olympic and Paralympic values.

The Iconic Posters are a milestone in the Cultural Olympiad journey, of which Triennale Milano is the institutional partner. The initiative further strengthens the joint commitment to dialogue between art and sport.

Winter Olympic Games will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026. While the Paralympic Winter Games will follow from March 6 to 15, 2026.

Venice and its new stadium

Meanwhile, in another sport-related development, the city of Venice hold the groundbreaking ceremony for its new stadium at the Bosco dello Sport in Mestre took place this morning. The event was attended by the Mayor of Venice, the Minister for Sport and Youth, along with various representatives from civil society and the military.

The Bosco dello Sport is being developed on a 116-hectare area in Tessera. It will house a stadium with a capacity of 18,500 seats, designed and approved to host Serie A football matches, rugby matches. It will also be able to welcome large live events such as concerts (with a capacity of approximately 24,400 spectators) and international events.

Construction will last approximately 20 months, leading to the completion and inauguration in the spring of 2027.

The building’s forms are inspired by the surrounding landscape with curved lines. The stadium’s elegant and essential structure is ideally located within the Bosco dello Sport as a pavilion in a garden. The sinuous shape of the stands evokes the flowing waves of the lagoon and symbolizes the consecrated ring that was and is thrown into the lagoon waters during the Marriage of the Sea.