Higher, faster, colder!

The upcoming Olympic Winter Games 2026 in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo draw attention to the multifaceted evolution of winter sports. The special exhibition "Higher, Faster, Colder!" at the German Sports & Olympic Museum offers a comprehensive examination of this event from cultural-historical, social, and sustainable perspectives. Five significant editions are highlighted: Chamonix 1924 as the spark for the Winter Games, Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956 as a recurring host city, Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936 as a case of political instrumentalization, Albertville 1992 as a turning point after the Cold War, and Lillehammer 1994, which enriched the sport through an innovative cycle. Selected objects, photographs, and background stories illustrate the disciplinary changes, technological developments, and the increasing importance of media presentation. Furthermore, the exhibition addresses the future of winter sports in the context of climate change and the need for a more sustainable approach to large events. "Higher, Faster, Colder!" thus encourages reflection on historical developments and current societal challenges.