Milano Cortina 2026 Posters: Hand-Painted Masterpieces Celebrating Italian Art and Sport
The Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 and Triennale Milano have unveiled the official posters for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, each hand-painted by ten young Italian artists. This unique collaboration, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), merges contemporary Italian art with the spirit of the Games. Curated by Damiano Gullì, the project features emerging artists under 40, continuing the legacy of the 2023 exhibition Pittura Italiana Oggi (Italian Painting Today).
The five Olympic posters were created by Beatrice Alici, Martina Cassatella, Giorgia Garzilli, Maddalena Tesser, and Flaminia Veronesi, while the five Paralympic posters were crafted by Roberto de Pinto, Andrea Fontanari, Aronne Pleuteri, Clara Woods, and Giulia Mangoni.
A Legacy of Artistic Posters in Olympic History
Since 1972, art posters have played a crucial role in capturing the cultural essence of the Games, with legendary artists like Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Eduardo Chillida contributing their visions in past editions.
Following their unveiling at Triennale Milano on June 18, 2025, the original posters will be displayed in the newly renovated Piano Parco Galleries until March 15, 2026, alongside the Olympic and Paralympic torches (revealed in April 2025). Additionally, the foundation plans to announce a series of events exploring the intersection of sport, art, and society in the coming months.
The Olympic Posters: A Celebration of Dreams, Nature, and Italian Culture
Each poster tells a unique story, blending Olympic symbolism with Italian heritage.
1. Giorgia Garzilli “The Joy of Gelato”
Garzilli playfully stacks the five Olympic rings on a gelato cone, reminding athletes and fans alike to enjoy the Games. This whimsical approach reflects Italy’s love for dolce vita (the sweet life).
2. Beatrice Alici “Mythical Mountains”
Alici’s poster features athletes suspended in a dreamlike alpine landscape, symbolizing the physical and emotional heights of competition. The Italian Dolomites serve as a breathtaking backdrop, reinforcing the Games’ connection to nature.
3. Maddalena Tesser “The Dreaming Woman”
Tesser’s vibrant composition merges abstract colors with the silhouette of a woman, her flowing hair transforming into a ski piste. The piece evokes the Dolomites’ beauty while celebrating the dreamlike ambition of athletes.
4. Flaminia Veronesi “Bubbles of Imagination”
A woman daydreams amidst soap bubbles shaped like Olympic rings, with hidden details including a hybrid dragon a fusion of Milan’s biscione (serpent) and the Dolomites. This symbolizes the magic of sports and fantasy.
5. Martina Cassatella “The Torch of Transformation”
Two intertwined hands morph into flames, embodying the Olympic torch’s energy. Cassatella sees fire as a metaphor for renewal and athletic perseverance, capturing the passion of competitors.
The Paralympic Posters: Strength, Resilience, and Human Connection
Unlike the Olympic posters’ dreamy themes, the Paralympic artworks focus on human determination and solidarity.
1. Andrea Fontanari “Together to the Finish Line”
Fontanari’s bold brushstrokes depict two figures supporting each other, emphasizing teamwork and altruism. His message: “Every small act of kindness can inspire real change.”
2. Aronne Pleuteri “Deconstructing Limits”
Using Microsoft Paint, Pleuteri challenges traditional body norms with abstract, swirling forms, symbolizing the unpredictable yet powerful nature of Paralympic athletes.
3. Roberto de Pinto “The Snowdrop’s Resilience”
A snowdrop flower breaking through snow represents strength in adversity much like Paralympians overcoming obstacles. This delicate yet mighty bloom is a common sight in Italy’s mountains at winter’s end.
4. Clara Woods “Your Love”
Woods’ vibrant piece declares: “We fall, we rise, we cheer, we keep going.” It’s a tribute to perseverance in sports and life, celebrating the unbreakable spirit of athletes.
5. Giulia Mangoni “Victory Beyond the Moment”
Inspired by a wheelchair curling final at Beijing 2022, Mangoni captures an athlete raising her arms in triumph. Her message: “Victory is more than a moment it’s a lifelong achievement.”
Why These Posters Matter for Milano Cortina 2026
- Cultural Heritage: They bridge Italian art traditions with modern Olympic values.
- Youth Representation: All artists are under 40, showcasing Italy’s rising creative talent.
- Inclusivity: The Paralympic posters highlight diversity, resilience, and unity.
- Global Appeal: The blend of sport, nature, and fantasy makes them universally engaging.
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