Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 to be a celebration of Harmony

16 October 2025 – ‘Armonia’ (harmony) has been announced as the theme for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony, which takes place on February 6, 2026, at the Milan San Siro Olympic Stadium.

‘Armonia’ will be at the heart of a show in which the Italian identity will come to life, telling a story of beauty and creativity.

Milano Cortina 2026 will be the first edition of the Olympic Winter Games to adopt a multi-centered model, and its Opening Ceremony will fully reflect this vision. Through an innovative and inclusive project it will be ‘widespread’. Meaning all athletes will be able to participate in a shared experience between Milan, Cortina, Valtellina and Val di Fiemme.

Organisers today unveiled the title, creative vision, and first protagonists of the show, including actress Matilda De Angelis.

“You want to motivate people to see, to celebrate sport and to see that humanity is beautiful, especially in 2026 where everything is so divided,” said Creative Lead Marco Balich at today’s launch in Milan.

“It’s very important that we create bridges, and we create a harmonic message of co-existence.”

Essential info:

Note: In our VNR Creative Lead Marco Balich takes us to the iconic venue in Milan, sharing the ideas and excitement about the groundbreaking event that takes place in February…

Armonia: The theme that will guide the show

The title chosen for the Ceremony is Armonia – a universal concept that becomes both a visual and emotional tale. A journey through art and innovation, nature and city, tradition and future. A tribute to Italy and its values, bringing together the evocative power of our culture with the unifying spirit of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Armonia will serve as the common thread of a story that weaves together imagination and beauty, Leonardo da Vinci and the great inventors, Italian design and taste, music and elegance. It will be a collective narrative celebrating Italian talent in all its forms, from artists to athletes, to the young generations shaping tomorrow.

An outstanding cast for a global show

The Ceremony will be an extraordinary showcase for Italy on the world stage. The first major name announced is Matilda De Angelis, one of the most acclaimed Italian actresses internationally. Versatile, intense, and contemporary, she will be one of the voices of the show, embodying the Italian creative spirit that engages in dialogue with the world.

Alongside her, a team of world-class creatives led by Marco Balich, (Opening Ceremony Creative Lead), the author behind several unforgettable Olympic Ceremonies.

The team includes:

• Simone Ferrari, Deputy Creative Lead and Creative Director
• Damiano Michieletto, Creative Director
• Lida Castelli, Protocol Creative Director
• Lulu Helbaek, Creative Director

Also presented today were some of the exceptional talents contributing to the Opening Ceremony:

• Paolo Fantin, Production Designer
• Andrea Farri, Music Director
• Massimo Cantini Parrini, Costume Designer

During the press conference, a special tribute to Giorgio Armani was also announced. A true symbol of Italian excellence and a friend of sports, who combines creativity, discipline, and passion for the values that make us proud.”

Around 2,900 athletes from over 90 NOCs are expected to participate in the Games. The event will feature 13 competition venues, eight sports, 16 Olympic disciplines, and 116 events in total.

The XXV Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place from 6 to 22 February, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from 6 to 15 March.