MILAN, Italy – The intersection of athletic excellence and artistic vision took center stage yesterday at the Czech Centre in Milan as the exhibition “Games of Winter Images” (Hry zimních obrazů) was officially inaugurated. Realized in close collaboration with the European Olympic Academies (EOA) and the Czech Olympic Academy, the vernissage was held during the XXV Olympic Winter Games. The prestigious event brought together prominent members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), representatives of National Olympic Committees, and elite athletes to celebrate the profound connection between sport and culture.
The exhibition, which runs until March 15, 2026, showcases a representative selection of works by leading contemporary Czech artists. The event is held under the auspices of the President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, who personally viewed the exhibition during the first Olympic weekend. Furthermore, for the first time in the modern history of the Czech Republic, the project has become an official part of the Cultural Olympiad, the prestigious cultural program organized by the host city of the Games.
A Gathering of Sporting and Diplomatic Leaders
The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished international delegation, underscoring the project’s significance within the global Olympic movement. Key guests included:
- IOC Members Jiří Kejval and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
- Representatives of the Italian, Serbian, and Norwegian Olympic Committees.
- Filip Šuman, President of the International Floorball Federation.
- Members of the Czech Women’s National Ice Hockey Team, currently competing in the Olympic tournament.
- Ivan Počuch, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Milan.
Launch of the Special Olympic Edition of Sport in Art
A major highlight of the evening was the official launch of a special English-language Olympic edition of Sport in Art magazine, created in collaboration with the European Olympic Academies (EOA) and the Czech Olympic Academy.
This exceptional issue covers a wide range of captivating international topics designed to appeal to a global audience. For instance, the magazine explores the history of sport in art dating back to ancient Greece in 776 BC and commemorates the revival of the Olympic idea by Pierre de Coubertin. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to presenting ten of the most essential art pieces with sporting themes from around the world. Readers can delve into analyses of famous works by renowned artists such as the sculptor Myron, and painters Edouard Manet, Henri Rousseau, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and George Wesley Bellows.
Alexandr Kliment, President of the Czech Olympic Academy, commented on the successful initiative:
“We would like to thank the Sport in Art platform for a fantastic collaboration. Sport and art have belonged together for over two thousand years, and we are delighted that, through this initiative, we can transcend Czech borders and reach an international audience. The feedback we are already receiving is inspiring us to plan further activities. My sincere thanks also go to the President of the EOA, Professor Manfred Lämmer, for his long-standing support and intensive efforts in connecting Olympic Academies and their potential across Europe.”
Contemporary Art as a “National Team”
Curator Petr Volf conceptually presents the Czech artists as a symbolic “team”—a cultural representation of the Czech Republic. The featured paintings, sculptures, and photographs masterfully capture the movement, physical performance, tension, and inner focus of the athletes.
“The exhibition refers to the Coubertinian tradition of a close bond between sport and art,” explains Volf. “The artists here act as representatives of visual culture, forming a team where each member has an irreplaceable role and a unique poetics capable of appealing to both sports fans and lovers of contemporary art.”
Practical Information
The project was realized through the cooperation of the Sport in Art platform, Czech Centres, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Milan, and other partners.
- Venue: Consulate General of the Czech Republic / Czech Centre Milan, Via G. B. Morgagni 20, Milan
- Dates: February 6 – March 15, 2026
- Curator: Petr Volf
- Exhibiting Artists: Alena Anderlová, Milan Cais, Michal Cihlář, Martin Daněk, Jakub Flejšar, Roman Franta, Jan Heres, Pavel Jestřáb, Radu Tesaro Kirby, Ondřej Kohout, Anna Krninská, Laura Limbourg, David Mazanec, Ondřej Mestek, Marek Nenutil, Michael Rittstein, Julius Reichel, Jan Soumar, Jan Šafránek, Jakub Špaňhel, Eva Vones, and Jan Vytiska.
