The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin on February 6, 2026, in Italy. The Games’ organizer, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, revealed during a press conference held at the San Siro Stadium in Milan that the opening ceremony will feature a tribute to the late designer and entrepreneur Giorgio Armani. "A true symbol of Italian excellence and a friend of sports, who combines creativity, discipline, and passion for the values that make us proud."

“A choice overdue, for the city of Milan and the entire country, which wants to celebrate its stature," said Giovanni Malagò, president of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. The Giorgio Armani company is also the official technical supplier of Italian winter sports athletes, as part of a four-year partnership between the Emporio Armani EA7 line and the FISI, the Italian Winter Sports Federation.

The ceremony will feature an extraordinary format, with activations planned in key locations across Northern Italy. In addition to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, a luxury winter resort in the Veneto region, several events will also be held at the ski resort locations of Predazzo, Bormio, and Livigno. In particular, the flag-raising ceremony and lighting of the Olympic cauldron on February 6 will take place simultaneously in Milan at Arco della Pace and in Cortina d’Ampezzo on the central Piazza Dibona, while the athletes’ parade will be multipronged, occurring in all locations with different groups of athletes.

The title chosen for the Ceremony is Armonia (“Harmony” in English), 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, combining the evocative power of our history and culture with the Olympic spirit. 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.

The full list of artists performing at the event has not yet been revealed, although organizers said that Italian actress Matilda De Angelis will be taking part.

Olympic Stadium has also been unveiled: a spectacular structure designed to connect with all the territories of the Games. At its heart will be a striking spiral-shaped LED stage at the centre of the San Siro, where four ramps will radiate from the central structure, in a layout designed to evoke connection and flow.

The Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22, while the Paralympics will be held from March 6 to 15. The closing ceremony for the Olympics and the opening ceremony for the Paralympics will both be held at the Arena di Verona.