Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo, Feb 7 (.) In a historic first, the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 witnessed the lighting of two Olympic cauldrons, symbolising unity across the dual host cities and the unprecedented scale of the Winter Games.
One cauldron has been installed in Milan, while the other stands in Cortina d’Ampezzo, reflecting the four-site spread of the Games over the next two weeks, as per the Milan Cortina 2026 website.
Designed as twin structures, the dual cauldrons mirror each other, highlighting the shared identity of the host cities while also acknowledging their distinct histories and landscapes.
The cauldrons draw inspiration from the legacy of Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci, whose artistic and scientific influence remains deeply rooted in Milan. Da Vinci’s connection to the city, where he created the iconic The Last Supper, has been central to the design concept.
More specifically, the structures pay homage to the intricate knot motifs frequently found in da Vinci’s artworks and manuscripts, interwoven patterns that symbolise connection, continuity, and balance. These elements have been translated into the cauldrons’ design language as a visual metaphor for harmony between the hosts, it added.
Constructed from aeronautical aluminium, the cauldrons combine strength with lightness, enabling precise mechanical movement for opening and closing. At their core, the Olympic flame is housed within a glass and metal chamber, underlining the theme of protection and preservation.
Both cauldrons were lit simultaneously during the opening ceremony and will also be extinguished in perfect synchrony at the conclusion of the Games, reinforcing the message of unity and shared purpose between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
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