The anticipation for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games reached a new crescendo on October 22, 2025, as the organizing committee unveiled two official posters that promise to become instant icons in Olympic history. The reveal, held at the celebrated Triennale Milano and Milan’s Palazzo dell'Arte, brought together artists, sports officials, and design enthusiasts, all eager to witness the latest chapter in a storied tradition that stretches back over a century.
The posters, created by acclaimed Italian illustrators Olimpia Zagnoli and Carolina Altavilla, are more than just promotional tools—they are vibrant, visual narratives capturing the spirit, energy, and cultural essence of the upcoming Games. With the Olympic Winter Games set for February 6-22, 2026, and the Paralympic Winter Games following from March 6-15, 2026, these works will be on proud display at the Triennale design museum and various sites across Milan and Cortina, setting the tone for what organizers hope will be a memorable celebration of sport, art, and community.
Olimpia Zagnoli, one of Italy’s most recognized illustrators, helmed the Olympic poster, aptly titled "Visione Olimpica" (Olympic Vision). Her design is immediately striking: a central figure, neither strictly athlete nor spectator, gazes out through glasses fashioned from the Olympic rings, their lenses reflecting both Milan’s famed sense of style and the snow-capped majesty of Cortina’s mountains. The background, awash in saturated hues borrowed from the Olympic palette, evokes a retro aesthetic that pays homage to vintage Games posters while injecting a distinctly modern, Milanese flair.
"The idea was to celebrate not only the athletes but also those attending the events in all their uniqueness," Zagnoli explained at the unveiling. She continued, "This proposal features an eclectic character wearing the Olympic rings as if they were glasses. In the background are snow-capped mountains. The idea is to emphasise the personality of those participating in the Olympics—both the athletes and those watching—who bring their own vibe to the event." Zagnoli’s vision is a fusion of fashion, design, and sport, a nod to Milan’s reputation as a global style capital and Cortina’s rugged natural beauty.
Carolina Altavilla, a Turin-based illustrator and designer, took on the challenge of representing the Paralympic Games. Her untitled poster is a digital composition bursting with motion and color—a whirlwind of pinks, blues, and chartreuse. It features dynamic depictions of all six Paralympic Winter sports: Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling. The athletes are rendered in fluid gestures, exuding energy and grace, while the iconic Duomo of Milan anchors the foreground. Above, three curved, comma-like "Agitos" symbols—Latin for "I move"—crown the scene, encapsulating the spirit of movement and inclusion that defines the Paralympic ethos.
"Paralympic athletes inspired me a lot," Altavilla said, reflecting on her creative process. "I studied their movements closely to represent them in a way that feels true to their experience." She added, "The main concept is to be able to visualise inclusion in sports, fostering the Paralympic spirit and generating a positive impact globally. The poster symbolises the support among participants and the importance of being mindful of creating safe spaces for the development of others, highlighting the athletes' determination, both in and out of competition." Her work serves as a tribute to the collective dimension and inclusive force of the Games, sending a universal message of belonging and solidarity.
The unveiling event itself was a testament to the importance of art and design in shaping the Olympic experience. Posters have been a fixture of the Games since the early 20th century, evolving from simple informational tools into elaborate works of art that capture the essence of each host city and era. Over the years, legendary artists like David Hockney and Robert Rauschenberg have contributed to this tradition, turning Olympic posters into coveted collectibles and cultural touchstones.
Domenico de Maio, Education & Cultural Director of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, underscored the significance of these new works: "They are a narrative capable of capturing, in a collective iconic image, the spirit and vision of these Games. With these works, we aim to leave a lasting mark, a legacy capable of crossing generations and remaining as a shared heritage." Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026, echoed this sentiment, stating, "These works convey the harmony between sport and society, tradition and innovation, between Milan and Cortina."
As part of the build-up to the Games, large versions of the posters will be displayed alongside the official Olympic and Paralympic torches at the Triennale and other key sites throughout the Winter Games. For fans and collectors eager to own a piece of Olympic history, smaller versions of the posters are available for purchase at the Triennale Milano bookshop, through the licensee’s website, and on the official Olympic Shop, with each poster retailing for 35 euros (about $41). Additional retail channels are expected to be announced via Milano Cortina 2026’s official platforms, ensuring broad access to these striking new symbols.
The Milan-Cortina committee has demonstrated a commitment to artistic diversity and inclusion, previously releasing ten additional posters over the summer—five by female artists and five by male artists. These works, also on display at the Triennale, further enrich the visual narrative of the Games and highlight the organizers’ dedication to representing a plurality of voices and visions.
Altavilla’s and Zagnoli’s contributions mark a significant moment in Olympic poster history, placing two Italian women artists at the forefront of the Games’ visual identity. Their designs not only encapsulate the character of Milan and Cortina but also serve as emblems of the broader values of competition, community, and creative expression that the Olympics and Paralympics aspire to embody.
As the countdown to February 2026 continues, the streets of Milan and Cortina will soon be adorned with these bold new images, their colors and forms inviting all to share in the excitement, unity, and inspiration of the world’s greatest winter sporting spectacle. For now, the posters stand as a vibrant promise of what’s to come—a celebration where art and sport meet, and where every participant, whether athlete or fan, is invited to see the Games through a new, visionary lens.
