Internationally renowned ballet dancer Roberto Bolle is set to take center stage at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which will be aptly titled “Beauty in Motion.” The event, scheduled for February 22, 2026, will unfold in the historic Arena di Verona, a venue noted for being one of the world’s oldest Roman amphitheaters. Organizers highlighted that the closing ceremony aims to pay tribute to Verona as a UNESCO World Heritage site and celebrate its famed summer opera festival, all while promoting athletic excellence and raising awareness about climate change.
Alfredo Accatino, the artistic director of the closing ceremony, underscored the importance of addressing climate issues, lamenting, “If the climate continues to change, there won’t be Winter Olympics anymore.” The innovative design for the central stage will be shaped like a waterdrop, symbolically connecting the mountainous competition sites with the fertile Po River Valley, where both Milan and Verona are situated, along with the nearby Venetian lagoon.
Bolle, who has previously graced the arena for his “Roberto Bolle and Friends” gala, will be the only talent announced so far for the event. His involvement is particularly nostalgic, as he also performed at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics held in Turin, Italy.
The 2026 Winter Games are set to be historic themselves, marking the first Olympic occasion with two official host cities: Milan in Lombardy and Cortina in the Dolomites of Veneto. Both the opening and closing ceremonies will occur in different cities, with Milan hosting the opening festivities.
Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milan Cortina Foundation’s local organizing committee, expressed enthusiasm over Verona’s inclusion, noting it will provide a unique atmosphere distinct from that of conventional sports venues, thus enhancing the overall experience for Olympic delegates and attendees alike. “This will be a great advertisement for Verona. There is a lot of curiosity to come here,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Verona’s strategic location—just an hour and 15 minutes by train from Milan and approximately three hours from Bormio and Cortina—positions it as a key base for Olympic visitors. Mayor Damiano Tommasi pointed out that hotel reservation trends signal that the city will be a popular stop for many arriving for the Winter Games.
While officials finalize ticket sales for the closing ceremony, the Arena di Verona typically accommodates around 15,000 spectators during opera performances. However, the capacity for the closing event will be reduced to facilitate the expanded stage and accommodate athletes and official delegates.
The enthusiastic preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics signal a promising future for both Verona and the Olympic Movement, showcasing how culture, sport, and environmental consciousness can harmoniously intersect at global events.
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