While the main stage was the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan, the ceremony unfolded across multiple locations, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo — a bold, multi-city concept that made this one of the most innovative Olympic opening ceremonies to date.

Armonia: A Theme Rooted in Harmony

The creative concept behind the opening ceremony was “Armonia”, the Italian word for harmony. The theme focused on unity through diversity, reflecting how different cultures, sounds, and traditions can come together through sport.

Rather than relying solely on spectacle, the ceremony emphasized emotion, rhythm, and shared human experience — values that sit at the heart of the Olympic movement. The idea of harmony was expressed through choreography, lighting, visual storytelling, and, most powerfully, music.

Star Performances That Defined the Night

One of the most talked-about moments of the evening came from Mariah Carey, who delivered a memorable performance of “Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare)”. The iconic song, deeply connected to Italian cultural heritage, resonated strongly with both European and international audiences and instantly became one of the ceremony’s defining highlights.

The musical program also featured some of Italy’s most celebrated artists:

Andrea Bocelli, whose powerful tenor added emotional depth and grandeur

Laura Pausini, bringing a modern international touch to the ceremony

Cecilia Bartoli and Lang Lang, who performed the Olympic Hymn with classical elegance

Together, these performances reinforced Italy’s reputation as a global cultural powerhouse and gave the ceremony a timeless, cinematic quality.

Iconic Olympic Moments: Flags, Fire, and Global Unity

As with every Olympic opening ceremony, the Parade of Nations remained a central and deeply symbolic moment. Athletes from around the world entered the stadium under their national flags, highlighting the global scale and unifying spirit of the Games.

The official opening declaration was delivered by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, formally marking the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

A particularly meaningful moment took place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the Olympic flame was lit by Sofia Goggia, one of Italy’s most celebrated alpine skiers. The choice reflected both national pride and the strong connection between the Games and Italy’s winter sports legacy.

Why the Milan–Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony Is Worth Rewatching

Olympic opening ceremonies are designed to be more than one-time events — they often become cultural time capsules. The Milan–Cortina ceremony stands out for its balance of scale and intimacy, spectacle and emotion.

For viewers in the United States, the opening ceremony is available through NBC and Peacock, which hold the exclusive broadcasting and streaming rights as part of NBCUniversal’s long-term Olympic partnership.

International viewers can access the ceremony via their local Olympic broadcasters or official Olympic platforms.

Rewatching the ceremony allows viewers to catch subtle artistic details, musical transitions, and symbolic moments that are easy to miss during a live broadcast.

The Lasting Legacy of Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Years after the medals are awarded, opening ceremonies often remain one of the most revisited and remembered aspects of the Olympic Games. They capture how a host country chooses to present itself to the world — its values, history, creativity, and vision for the future.

The Milan–Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony, with its theme of harmony, world-class performances, and innovative multi-location design, has all the ingredients to become one of those ceremonies people return to — not just for nostalgia, but for inspiration.

Sources: EW.com, Wikipedia, AP News

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The space featured original creations enclosed in suspended, nearly colorless white boxes that cast vibrant halos onto the floor—creating an otherworldly, immersive experience.

“It is through the immateriality of their aura that objects first appear, like emotions,” Hermès said of the collection.

Here’s everything the French maison revealed during Milan Design Week 2025:

Pivot d’Hermès

A sculptural side table by Tomás Alonso, featuring a lacquered glass base and a Japanese cedar top that rotates on an eccentric axis. Functional, dynamic, and visually hypnotic.

Hermès en Contrepoint Dinner Service

This 33-piece porcelain set is hand-painted in watercolor by artist Nigel Peake. Inspired by the rhythmic patterns of musical meter and repeated fractions, the dinnerware invites endless visual combinations and table settings.

“When you enter the space, it feels almost like you’re daydreaming. There is a levitation effect that makes everything feel lighter, more ethereal. We want the objects to have a presence without being heavy,” said Florence Lafarge, Creative Director at Hermès, in an interview with Architectural Digest.

The H Partition

Hermès is celebrated for its legendary throws, and The H Partition continues the tradition. Hand-woven from ivory-hued cashmere in a chevron pattern, it is subtly enhanced with 24-carat gold powder to give it an elegant, luminous finish.

Vase Doublé d’Hermès

Crafted from layered, mouth-blown glass in moody gradients and detailed with leather harness accents. A seamless blend of equestrian heritage and contemporary object design.

Paddock Baskets

A tactile tribute to Hermès’ equestrian roots. These leather baskets feature tartan-inspired stitching, transforming everyday utility into collectible design.

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As part of the Milan Design Week 2024 Muuto invites visitors to experience a charming living space. Located in the design neighborhood Brera, it combines the clean aesthetics of a typical Scandinavian home with enchanting looks of an Italian lifestyle with that Milanese chic.

“The six rooms present an updated vision of the Muuto home, a distinctive universe of color, light, material, and tactility displayed alongside new products,” the company says.

At the forefront of the exhibition are the Earnest Extendable Table (pictured above) by John Tree and Set Lamp by Jamie Wolfond, shown for the first time at Milan Design Week.

“A table tends to be the heart of any space. It is the epicenter, physically and emotionally,” says John Tree.

Making appearance in the large ‘living room’ space at Milan Apartment is the new Set Lamp. The Toronto-based designer Jamie Wolfond created it to inspire new ways of interacting with lighting.

Set Lamp, as seen on the coffee table in the middle top part of the photo.

Featured in the space are pieces from other collaborators, like Twilight, a series of artworks by the American photo artist Arthur Drooker.

Muuto also partnered with surface design studio File Under Pop, who provided striking colors for each space. Looking at the different rooms, the spaces are distinct, unique, yet feel welcoming and warm. Exactly what we need in a peaceful home.

Muuto Milan Apartment is located at Via Solferino 11, 3rd floor, 20121 Milan (Brera District). It is open from 16 – 20 April 2024.

Location of Muuto Milan Apartment in Milan, Italy:

Sources: Muuto. Photos: Muuto.

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The German brand known for its high-quality luggage and travel accesories unveiled a limited edition RIMOWA x La Marzocco Linea Mini espresso machine. The compact machine has been revisited to feature RIMOWA’s signature grooved aluminium and an array of bespoke components expertly crafted by skilled artisans.

The machine is made in Florence, Italy, with each piece requiring 40 hours of dedicated craftsmanship,

To celebrate this unforeseen and unique collaboration CAFFÈ RIMOWA opens in Milan, held during the famous Salone del Mobile exhibition.

Located at Via Achille Maiocchi 3, April 15-21, 2024, the collaborative piece will take centre stage, while guests can enjoy espressos made of a unique coffee blend that’s specially crafted for the event.

Location of CAFFÈ RIMOWA in Milan, Italy:

Sources: Rimowa. Photos: Rimowa.

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