How Art Illuminates the Games: Milan’s Story Unveiled to the World

As winter approaches, Milan is set to showcase a series of art exhibits coinciding with the upcoming Winter Olympics. The city, partnering with Cortina, is preparing for the Games starting on February 6. This initiative aims to captivate art enthusiasts and the international audience visiting Milan during this significant event.

Significant Art Exhibitions in Milan

The mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, highlighted the importance of the Olympics as a platform for the city to display its cultural and athletic offerings. Notable exhibitions include:

• Anselm Kiefer: Le Alchimiste – Premiere at Palazzo Reale on February 7. It features 40 new large-scale canvases depicting female figures, including Caterina Sforza.
• I Macchiaioli – Ongoing from February 2 to June 14 at Palazzo Reale, showcasing 90 works from artists like Giovanni Fattori and Telemaco Signorini, curated by Francesco Dini, Elisabetta Matteucci, and Fernando Mazzocca.
• Metafisica/Metafisiche – A traveling exhibit curated by Vincenzo Trione, exploring metaphysical art through various locations, culminating in Rome in July.
• Opere Storiche del Metafisico – Displaying 300 works from famous artists like De Chirico and Ernst at Palazzo Reale, from January 28 to June 21.
• Tribute to Giorgio Morandi – Photography by Gianni Berengo Gardin at Gallerie d’Italia until April 5, celebrating the artist’s Bologna studio.
• William Kentridge Exhibition – Scheduled from February 6 to April 5 at Palazzo Citterio.
• Robert Mapplethorpe Retrospective – Featuring a selection of unpublished photographs at Palazzo Reale.
• Indian Contemporary Art – A collective show at PAC, featuring works from 27 artists, running from November 25 to February 8.
• Winter Games Tribute – An interdisciplinary exhibition titled Il Senso della Neve at Mudec, beginning February 12.

Restoration and New Discoveries

Visitors will also have the opportunity for special tours of the Sala delle Asse restoration site, which features decorations by Leonardo da Vinci. Additionally, new acquisitions and work by Bernardo Luini will be displayed in the Pinacoteca, previously kept away from public view.

Cultural Contributions Beyond Art

The Olympic spirit also inspires various exhibitions, including:

• Fashion showcases at Museo Morando.
• Photographic works by Stefano Zardini at Fabbrica del Vapore.
• Explorations of Italians in winter sports through illustrated periodicals at Castello Sforzesco.

Furthermore, cultural institutions like the Fondazione Rovati will feature an extensive exhibit titled I Giochi Olimpici: Una Storia Lunga Tremila Anni from November 26, 2025, to March 22, 2026. Milan’s curated celebration of art and culture aims to illuminate its vibrant identity, drawing attention as both a sports venue and a cultural hub.