The House of Switzerland in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Swiss meeting point for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Computer-generated image: Presence Switzerland www.houseofswitzerland.it/en which would join the Swatch Group in 1983. This strategic alliance between Omega and Longines, driven by a desire to consolidate Switzerland’s position, was made possible thanks to the efforts of sporting institutions, the watchmaking industry and the diplomatic world. Omega providing timekeeping for the Winter Olympics. The Swiss delegation is expected to be significant: according to estimates, almost 190 athletes from the Swiss Olympic Team will be representing Switzerland in Italy. As a nod to Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to supporting major sporting events, the House of Switzerland Italia 2026 will proudly continue this tradition. Opening its doors in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milan and designed by Presence Switzerland, it will showcase Swiss expertise and simultaneously act as a meeting place for athletes, partners, the media and spectators. Flora Alpina, the theme chosen for the House of Switzerland Italia 2026, will highlight the role played by flowers in sport, medicine and culture. The hardiness of mountain plants calls to mind the determination of the athletes, and their use as folk remedies makes them a powerful symbol of strength. The graphic design will be based on the codes of Swiss craftsmanship, particularly traditional Grisons cross-stitch. The platform’s set design will offer an immersive experience where creation, emotion and beauty meet the environment. According to Daniel Zamarbide, the architect and set designer for the House of Switzerland Italia in Milan, the flowers represent more than just beauty: they symbolise generosity and joy and are a frequent feature at celebrations. At the Olympic and Paralympic Games, moreover, they are traditionally associated with the medals awarded to the athletes. A pop-up alpine garden will be set up in the Centro Svizzero in Milan. It will be open to the public and will celebrate Swiss and international athletes. At a time when sport is breaking new limits and where each performance tells a story, Swiss excellence and precision continue to offer the world an expertise that transforms emotions into unforgettable experiences. With a few exceptions, Swiss timekeeping dominated the Olympic Games for the first half of the 20th century and made a name for itself as a global standard for precision. This tradition of excellence continues today: Omega is currently the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games and has signed a partnership with the IOC that is set to run until 2032. Behind this symbolic image, Swiss Timing organises the measuring technology. These organisations will be responsible for keeping time “down to a millionth of a second” at the next Winter Olympics. 2026 Olympics and Paralympics in Italy The Winter Olympics and Paralympics will take place largely in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo on 6–22 February and 5–15 March 2026. This will be the 90th anniversary of Mountains, snow and speed define downhill racing. But the clock decides who wins. Photo: Keystone 29 Swiss Review / February 2026 / No.1
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