Internationally celebrated ballet star Roberto Bolle is set to headline the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, themed “Beauty in Motion.” The event will take place on February 22 at the historic Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater that has gained recognition as one of the oldest performance venues worldwide. Organizers revealed the details during a recent announcement, highlighting the ceremony’s tribute to Verona—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and its prominent role in hosting a famous summer opera festival.
Artistic director Alfredo Accatino noted that the ceremony aims to honor athletic excellence while simultaneously addressing the urgent issue of climate change. During the announcement, Accatino expressed concern over the potential future of the Winter Olympics, stating, “If the climate continues to change, there won’t be Winter Olympics anymore.” The central stage of the ceremony will be designed in the shape of a water droplet, symbolically connecting the Alpine venues with the fertile Po River Valley and the nearby Venetian lagoon.
Bolle, who previously performed at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006, is a familiar face at the Arena, where he hosts his popular annual gala, “Roberto Bolle and Friends.” To date, he is the only talent confirmed for the closing event.
The 2026 Winter Games, taking place from February 6 to 22, will mark a historical first as both Milan and Cortina will serve as official host cities. Interestingly, the opening and closing ceremonies will occur in different cities, with opening festivities planned for Milan. The addition of Verona to the Olympic hosting lineup has excited various delegations, particularly those more accustomed to sports venues, according to Giovanni Malagò, president of the local organizing committee.
Malagò highlighted Verona’s appeal, stating, “This will be a great advertisement for Verona.” The picturesque city, characterized by its cobbled streets along the Adige River and backed by scenic pre-Alpine mountains, is anticipated to serve as a base for many Olympic visitors. Mayor Damiano Tommasi emphasized the growing interest in hotel reservations, indicating that Verona is set to attract significant attention during the Games.
Verona is conveniently located about an hour and 15 minutes by train from Milan, where ice sports will be conducted, and just over three hours by car from Bormio and Cortina, the venues designated for men’s and women’s downhill events, curling, and bobsledding. Organizers are still refining the number of tickets available for the closing ceremony, with the Arena typically accommodating around 15,000 spectators during its opera season. However, this number will be lessened for the Olympics due to the expanded central stage and reserved seating for athletes and official delegations.
This ambitious approach to the Olympics highlights the spirit of collaboration and celebration of culture alongside sport, promising a memorable experience that will resonate long after the events conclude.