Designer Marco Balich, the creator of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic cauldrons, has appealed to both public and private institutions to fund the restoration of the two iconic structures. Six months after the Winter Games, the cauldrons remain dismantled and stored in separate warehouses—one in Milan and the other near Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Funding appeal

Balich told Reuters that the cauldrons could be reactivated for “much less than one million euros,” including lighting and other features. He emphasized that public bodies should not be expected to bear the full cost, and he is looking to banking foundations or large private companies for support.

Potential locations

Local residents have suggested several sites for the Milan cauldron, such as the Central railway station, the modern CityLife district, and Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Another idea is to relocate it to a museum. Cortina’s mayor, Gianluca Lorenzi, said the town is still assessing placement, noting that outdoor installation would involve significant maintenance costs.

Historical context

The cauldrons were unveiled during the February 6 opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, co‑hosted by Milan and Cortina. Modeled on the sun and inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s geometric “knots,” the designs combined natural harmony with Renaissance engineering. In Milan, the cauldron was suspended beneath the 19th‑century Arco della Pace, while Cortina’s version rose from a pedestal in Piazza Dibona.

Comparative examples

Balich noted that a version of the Paris 2024 Olympic cauldron, suspended from a hot‑air balloon, has been displayed in the Tuileries Gardens for the past two summers, becoming a collective ritual for the city.

Official responses

There was no comment from a spokesperson for Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala. Balich expressed hope that the cauldrons would not have to wait ten years for restoration, saying, “Milan and Cortina represented a very joyful moment.”

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.