Cortina d’Ampezzo,Italy – A new commemorative poster was unveiled today,February 17th,coinciding with the arrival of the Olympic Flame in the city as part of the torch relay for the upcoming 2026 Winter Games. The “Anniversary 1956-2026” poster celebrates both the 70th anniversary of Cortina’s previous hosting duties and the region’s role in the jointly-hosted Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Designed by Italian artist Pierpaolo Rovero, the artwork aims to visually connect the legacy of the Olympics in Cortina with its future, and will be a key piece of marketing for the event.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – A striking new poster celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Winter Olympics’ return to Cortina d’Ampezzo was unveiled today, February 17, during celebrations for the Olympic Torch Relay. The poster, titled “Anniversary 1956-2026,” will serve as a visual centerpiece for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
The unveiling took place as the Olympic Flame made its way through the city and the sacred fire from Olympia was officially handed over – the same flame that will ignite the opening ceremony cauldron on February 6, 2026. The Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 presented the poster to a large and enthusiastic crowd gathered to witness the torchbearers’ relay.
Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026: “A poster that embodies the values and energy of the 2026 Games”
“This poster represents much more than a work of art: it is a symbolic bridge between the extraordinary history of Cortina and the future we are building together,” said Andrea Varnier. “Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the return of the Games means recognising the strength of a community that has been able to preserve its identity and, at the same time, open up to the world. We are proud to share with the public a poster that embodies the values and energy of the 2026 Games.”
Designed by Italian artist Pierpaolo Rovero, the “Anniversary 1956-2026” poster will be available exclusively online and at select official Cortina outlets, distributed by OneArt.
Fans can find the poster:
• In physical stores: La Cooperativa di Cortina, Corso Italia 40; Libreria Sovilla, Piazza Silvestro Franceschi 11.
• Online: Milano Cortina 2026 Official e-shop, active from Monday, February 26, following the official presentation.
Visa is the official and preferred payment method for Milano Cortina 2026, recognizing the historic collaboration with the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Anniversary 1956-2026”
The poster commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Winter Olympics’ return to Cortina, launching a visual narrative that blends historical memory with modern design. It creates a symbolic link between the city’s Olympic past and its future aspirations.
The “Anniversary 1956-2026” poster is a visual journey through time, showcasing Cortina’s Olympic evolution. The left side features iconic images from the past, including a tribute to local sporting legend Eugenio Monti. The city itself remains a constant in the center, represented by its mountains, bell tower, wildlife, and everyday life, while the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games emblem unifies the composition at the top. The right side highlights the sports that will be contested in Cortina during the 2026 Games – bobsleigh, women’s alpine skiing, luge, skeleton, and curling – demonstrating the advancements in winter sports over the last seven decades. A graphic detail resembling snow in the lower section echoes the iconic poster from 1956, and the number “70” transforms into a track and window onto the athletes, symbolically connecting the past with the enduring Olympic spirit.
Rovero’s design interprets this passing of the torch through a poetic and layered approach, combining the contemporary visual identity of Milano Cortina 2026 with a narrative that celebrates the host territories. The result is a timeless image that preserves the memory of the Games while looking forward to the future.
The artist’s selection is part of the Games’ broader cultural initiative, which aims to showcase visual languages that reflect the richness and diversity of the communities involved. Rovero, known for his work in illustration, graphic novels, and contemporary art, has developed a distinctive style that combines drawing, storytelling, and stylistic exploration. His evocative and precise style is well-suited to capturing the depth of the region and the collective emotion of the Games.
