While each Olympics is ultimately about the sports being played and the feats of the athletes, we can’t help but get carried away by the art and design inherent to the Games as well. From the signature pictograms featured at every Olympics to the branding and broadcast visuals, there’s a wealth of design that goes into the Olympics, helping set the tone and feel of each one.
We’ve already shed light on the Art Posters of Milano Cortina 2026 project over the summer, when 10 Italian artists interpreted the spirit of the upcoming Winter Games in 10 unique poster designs. Now, the “Official Iconic Posters” for the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games have been unveiled, designed by Olimpia Zagnoli and Carolina Altavilla, respectively.
Olympic Winter Games 2026 Iconic Poster, designed by Olimpia Zagnoli
Paralympic Winter Games 2026 Iconic Poster, designed by Carolina Altavilla
The Iconic Posters for each Games have become a long-standing part of the distinct and individual narrative of every Olympics, translating the identity of each one into visual form and becoming cultural symbols in our collective memories. This batch of Iconic Posters was a collaboration between the Organizing Committee and Triennale Milano, and curated by Damiano Gullì. The two designs depict the “Italian Spirit” through visuals that unite competition and enthusiasm, while spotlighting the host
territories.
Zagnoli’s bold, graphic design captures the essence of the Games along with the energy and personality of those who live them. She uses a direct and vibrant visual language, centering the most iconic and recognizable symbol of the Olympic Games, the Olympic rings, in a clever, modern way that gives them new life.
Meanwhile, Altavilla’s Paralympic Iconic Poster uses her fluid, sketchy contemporary illustration style with a retro twist to pay tribute to the many dimensions and inclusive force of the Games. The poster conveys the ability of sport to unite, support, and inspire, sharing a message of belonging and solidarity.
“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,” said Director of Brand, Identity and Look of the Games, Raffaella Paniè, in a statement. “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.”
“These works convey the harmony between sport and society, tradition and innovation, between Milan and Cortina,” added Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026. “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.”
Domenico De Maio, Education & Culture Director of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, concluded, “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.”
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