The highly anticipated 2026 Winter Olympics is set to unfold in Milan, with the grand opening ceremony featuring a performance by Mariah Carey at the iconic San Siro Stadium on February 6 at 8 PM local time.
Exciting events will take place across northern Italy, with indoor ice competitions hosted in Milan and outdoor activities in picturesque locations such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio, Predazzo, and Tesero.
While the stunning Dolomites and Italian Alps attract visitors, art enthusiasts attending the Olympics should also explore Milan's vibrant museum scene. The city is home to numerous cultural institutions, with the Museo del Novecento particularly focusing on engaging sports fans.
Museums
Fondazione Prada
Established in 2015 within a former distillery designed by Rem Koolhaas, Fondazione Prada showcases two captivating exhibitions during the Olympics: "Sueño Perro," featuring unseen footage from Alejandro González Iñárritu's film Amores Perros, and "Over, under and in between," showcasing site-specific installations by Mona Hatoum. Additionally, the Osservatorio will present Hito Steyerl's video installation The Island.
Pirelli HangarBicocca
This expansive exhibition space, formerly a Pirelli tire factory, has hosted renowned artists like Marina Abramović and Mike Kelley. Nan Goldin's exhibition "This Will Not End Well," featuring her famous Ballad of Sexual Dependency, will conclude on February 15, coinciding with the Olympics. Italian artist Benni Bosetto's show "Rebecca" opens on February 12.
Pinacoteca di Brera
Located in the historic Palazzo Brera, this museum is celebrated for its extensive collection of Italian masterpieces, including works by Raphael and Caravaggio. During the Winter Olympics, visitors can explore exhibitions such as "Beauty and the Ideal," showcasing plaster busts by Antonio Canova, and a selection of garments by Giorgio Armani displayed throughout the museum.
Museo del Novecento
Opened in 2010, this museum focuses on 20th and 21st-century art, featuring prominent Italian movements like Futurism. During the Olympics, the museum will display sports-themed posters by graphic designer Armando Testa.
Galleries
Emanuela Campoli: "Notti Rosa," an exhibition by Emily Sunblad featuring diverse works including a nightgown and a large tapestry.
Monica de Cardenas: "tempo crudo," showcasing new works by Claudia Losi and drawings by Slawomir Elsner.
Galleria Raffaella Cortese: "Friends and Family," featuring text-based works by Alejandro Cesarco.
MASSIMODECARLO: "Something Borrowed, Something Plum," an abstract painting exhibition by Austyn Weiner.
kaufmann repetto: "Back Facing Front," an installation by Thea Djordjadze and ceramics by Gaëlle Choisne.
Gio Marconi: "Keep thinking nobody does it like you here comes the sunset," Jonathan Lyndon Chase's first solo show in Italy.
Thaddaeus Ropac: "Body Sign," exploring the dialogue between artists Valie Export and Ketty La Rocca.
Lia Rumma: "Sharpen Your Philosophy," featuring a range of works by South African artist William Kentridge.