In the heart of a Milan illuminated by the reflections of snow and pride, the Opening ceremony of the Paralympic Winter Games Milan Cortina 2026 promises to be a one-of-a-kind event: not just a beginning, but an explosion of meaning, emotion and humanity.
The chosen location is one of the most emblematic of Italian modernity: the new Palace of Sparks, in the innovative CityLife district, a space that blends historic industrial architecture and urban regeneration. Here, on March 6, 2026, the world will come together to pay tribute to Paralympic athletes from every continent.
The Palace of Sparks: The Temple of Rebirth
Built in 1923 and completely upgraded for the Games, the Palace of Sparks is now one of the symbols of contemporary Milan. For the Paralympic ceremony, it will be transformed into a sensory arena, accessible, welcoming, full of inclusive technologies and immersive sets.
The ceremony, designed by an international creative team, will be a visual and musical telling of the central themes of the Paralympic movement: resilience, equality, innovation and community. The entrance of the delegations will be accompanied by choreographed dances, testimonies of athletes, moments of reflection and a universal message of hope.
Paralympic Fire and Its Symbols
The lighting of the Paralympic flame will be the highlight of the evening. After the flashlight's long journey through Alpine villages, towns and valleys, the flame will enter the Spark Palace in an exciting choreographed ritual. The athlete in charge of lighting it will be chosen from among the great names in Italian Paralympic history, in a symbolic gesture that will unite past, present and future.
Tickets and Access to the Event
Tickets for the opening ceremony will be available on the official website milanocortina2026.org. There will be accessible and free price ranges for accompanying persons with disabilities.
Each ticket will include:
- Priority access for people with reduced mobility
- Free public transportation on event days
- Access to fan zones and experiential areas
How to Reach the Palace of Sparks
- By subway: M5 line "Three Towers" stop, with accessible routes for all
- By train: Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi are connected to the CityLife district via metro and dedicated shuttles
- By car: subsidized parking and regulated access for people with disabilities
- By airplane: Linate and Malpensa airports with direct shuttles to downtown.
Dedicated accessibility services, LIS interpreters, tactile maps, mobility support apps and trained volunteers will be in place during the Paralympic period.
Where to Stay in Milan
Milan will welcome spectators from all over the world with an inclusive hospitality network. Equipped hotels, accessible B&Bs, hostels and supportive facilities will be available in all areas of the city. Areas recommended for proximity to the ceremony: CityLife, Hatch, Simplon e Island.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended, and a hospitality section will be active on the official portal with specific filters for accessibility.
Milan in Celebration: A City for All
During the Games, Milan will be transformed into a urban inclusion workshop, with exhibitions, cultural events, light installations and performances throughout the city. It will be a journey between design, solidarity, art and technology, open to every citizen and visitor.
From Cathedral Square at MUDEC, from the Sforza Castle to the Navigli, every corner of the city will tell stories of strength, determination and talent. Participating restaurants will offer dedicated menus and welcoming initiatives for all.
The True Spirit of the Games
The opening ceremony of the Paralympics will be more than one show: will be a manifesto. A hymn to dignity, to the human capacity to overcome any obstacle, to the beauty of diversity. On that March night, Milan will not only be a host city, but a living symbol of what the Paralympic Games represent: the concrete possibility of a more just, accessible and united world.
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