Exhibition Reveals Backstage Magic of 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
A new photography exhibition in Milan offers a rare and intimate behind-the-scenes look at the rehearsals leading up to the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Titled "REHEARSAL — Before the Applause," the exhibition opened on Thursday at Palazzo Castiglioni in the Porta Venezia district.
Capturing the Spirit of the Olympics
The exhibition features 39 striking images taken by acclaimed Italian photographer Giampaolo Sgura, who was granted exclusive access to document the dress rehearsals involving more than 1,200 volunteers. These volunteers, who are not professional performers, came together to create a spectacular show for the February 6 opening ceremony.
"These volunteers are all together to perform, so I think it is all connected to the spirit of sports and in this case the Olympics," Sgura explained in an interview with The Associated Press. "Maybe they don’t have to perform to win, but for the sake of creating something emotionally entertaining and beautiful."
A Fashion Photographer's Unique Perspective
Sgura, known for his work with prestigious magazines like Vogue and luxury brands such as Dolce&Gabbana, found working with non-professional subjects offered a fresh perspective on human nature. "The main thing I was photographing was their passion, their professionalism, their desire to be there and communicate a sense of happiness," he added.
The photographs, displayed on the grand staircase of the palace, showcase:
- Performers in vibrant, intricately designed costumes
- Designers and creative directors fine-tuning details
- Stagehands and craftspeople ensuring seamless execution
- The collective effort behind the Olympic spectacle
Olympic Values Through Contemporary Art
The exhibition is organized by the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, as part of its ongoing mission to interpret Olympic values through contemporary art. Museum director Angelita Teo emphasized the importance of recognizing volunteer contributions.
"We really value volunteers at the Olympic movement and this is a way for us to give back to them," Teo told the AP. "The Olympic movement is always about more than competition. It is about humanity, about people coming together and making something that will make a difference."
The exhibition runs through February 17, after which the photographs will become part of the Olympic Museum's permanent collection, preserving these behind-the-scenes moments for future generations.
