A new exhibition in Milan is giving sports fans the opportunity to explore the three-thousand-year legacy of the Olympic Games.
“Olympic Games – A Three Thousand Year History” was inaugurated at Fondazione Luigi Rovati on Nov. 25, 2025. It will run until March 22, 2026, as part of the Milano Cortina 2026 Cultural Olympiad. The event is co-produced by the Olympic Museum, Fondazione Luigi Rovati and the Lausanne-based Musée cantonal d’archéologie et d’histoire. The exhibition explores the history and values of sports competitions from antiquity to the present day.
Ancient Greek, Etruscan and Roman artifacts are on display alongside contemporary Olympic memorabilia, such as Michael Johnson’s running spikes, Usain Bolt’s running vest, Michael Jordan’s basketball shoes, Alberto Tomba’s ski suit and Jan Železný’s javelin. Furthermore, the Tomba delle Olimpiadi (Tomb of the Olympic Games) is publicly shown for the first time outside the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Tarquinia. The tomb features frescoes of athletic scenes that date back to 530–520 BCE.
“By bringing the Greek, Etruscan and Roman worlds into dialogue with the modern Olympic Movement, the exhibition shows that the values of excellence, friendship and respect have deep roots that remain meaningful today,” said Angelita Teo, Director of the Olympic Museum. Giovanna Fiorelli, President of Fondazione Luigi Rovati, described the exhibition as “a journey through the centuries that recounts the deep connection between sport, art and civilization.”
