2026 Olympics Unveil Dual Da Vinci Cauldrons

Organizers of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have unveiled a historic design for dual cauldrons that will honor Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, marking the first time in Olympic and Paralympic history that flames will be lit and extinguished simultaneously in two separate locations. The cauldrons, one in Milan and the other in Cortina d'Ampezzo, will symbolize unity across the host regions during the Games, set for February 6 to 22, 2026, followed by the Paralympics from March 6 to 15.

The cauldrons feature a sun-like structure inspired by da Vinci's intricate knot patterns, reflecting his geometric studies and artistic legacy. Engineered to open and close mechanically, they expand from a diameter of 3.1 meters to 4.5 meters, with the Olympic flame housed at their core inside a protective glass and metal container. In Milan, the cauldron will stand at the Arco della Pace in Sempione Park, while Cortina's will be positioned in Piazza Dibona. Both will ignite together during a decentralized opening ceremony on February 6 and extinguish on February 22. For the Paralympics, they will burn with that event's flame through March 15. Evenings during the Olympics will...