Art Brings the Games to Life: the Official Iconic Posters of Milano Cortina 2026 have been unveiled
- Gen de Art
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
A collaboration between the Organising Committee and Triennale Milano, curated by Damiano Gullì, that celebrates the identity of these editions of the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games through the power of art.
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 on 22 October 2025, Milan.
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.
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, which 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. Together with the Art Posters, this project underlines art and design’s strategic role in building the visual and narrative identity of the Games, contributing to their cultural and symbolic dimension. This initiative further strengthens the joint commitment to dialogue between art and sport.
The Iconic Posters of Milano Cortina 2026, distributed by OneArt, will be available for purchase at the Triennale bookshop, via the licensee’s website (www.oneart.fr) and the official e-commerce (Olympic Shop).
THE STATEMENTS
Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026: “Through art we tell the Games’ identity and their deep connection with the territory, culture and people. These works convey the harmony between sport and society, tradition and innovation, between Milan and Cortina. It is a visual and symbolic balance that reflects the inclusive and contemporary spirit of our Games, and one that will accompany us over time, leaving a lasting mark on collective memory.”
“The Iconic Posters of Milano Cortina 2026 represent far more than a graphic symbol: they are a visual story able to deliver, in a collective iconic image, the spirit and vision of these Games. Through art they become both memory and projection, weaving past, present and future into a dialogue that unites culture, sport and community. With these works we aim to leave a lasting sign, a legacy able to cross generations and remain as shared heritage, witness to the values and energy that move Milano Cortina 2026,” says Domenico De Maio, Education & Culture Director of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.
Raffaella Paniè, Director of Brand, Identity and Look of the Games: “The Iconic Posters are the visual heart of our identity: they tell the uniqueness of the Games, interpret our motto It’s Your Vibe and translate into image the values of inclusion, territory and contemporaneity that drive our project. The Posters join the visual tradition of Milano Cortina 2026 as an artistic and cultural heritage destined to endure like the Torches, the Medals and the official Mascots: tangible symbols of Milano Cortina 2026’s vision, accompanying the public on the journey that will take us to 2026 and beyond.”
ABOUT FONDAZIONE MILANO CORTINA 2026
The objective of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, in agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), the Cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Region of Veneto and the Region of Lombardy, the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano, is to plan, organise, finance and deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina in 2026. Established on 9 December 2019, the Foundation is led by President Giovanni Malagò and CEO Andrea Varnier.
Quotes from the artists:
Olimpia Zagnoli
How would you describe your poster in a few words – what it represents and what you hoped to convey through this work? My poster is a close-up portrait of a character wearing glasses inspired by the five Olympic rings. Through this bold, vibrant image, I wanted to celebrate not only the athletes but also the spectators, highlighting the uniqueness of everyone who takes part in and experiences the Games. The style evokes Milan, my hometown, and the mountains of Cortina—places that are close to my heart—with a retro aesthetic inspired by vintage Olympic posters.
What does it mean to you to have created an Olympic/Paralympic poster for Milano Cortina 2026? Designing the official poster for Milano Cortina 2026 was a great honor for me. It means becoming part of the visual history of the Olympic Games, contributing through my art to narrate a moment of celebration, inclusion, and collective memory.
Carolina Altavilla
How would you describe your poster in a few words – what it represents and what you hoped to convey through this work? My poster is a dynamic, organic composition that represents all the Paralympic disciplines, set between the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Duomo of Milan. I wanted to create an image that speaks of inclusion without stereotypes, celebrating the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration, and equality. The piece conveys energy, connection, and mutual support, imagining a space where everyone can feel welcomed, safe, and valued.
What does it mean to you to have created an Olympic/Paralympic poster for Milano Cortina 2026? It was a great honor and a challenge I approached with passion and a sense of responsibility. Knowing that my work will become part of the visual memory of such an important event fills me with pride. I aimed to portray the Italian spirit in a creative and contemporary way, speaking also to the younger generations.
