Milan Park Invites Locals to Mirror Olympic Spirit

Parkgoers in Milan are literally seeing themselves in the Olympic spirit this week, thanks to an art project that turns reflection into connection.

"Together to Reflect" transformed a corner of Milan's Biblioteca degli Alberi park into a field of mirrored flowers. Visitors write their thoughts about sports and the Games directly on the mirrors, creating a collective artwork that captures what the Olympics mean beyond podiums and medals.

Anthony Cardamone discovered the project while scrolling Instagram and immediately brought his wife and 7-year-old daughter to participate. His daughter chose just one word to inscribe on her mirrored flower: "brave."

"For me, sport is about being together, it's about sharing and measuring your own abilities," Cardamone said. "This activity helps her understand why sport is important and how beautiful it can be."

The project launched during Milan's role as co-host city for the 2026 Winter Olympics. BAM park partnered with Milan's academy of fine arts to create the experience, which opened for public participation on Sunday.

Francesca Colombo, BAM's cultural general director, says the mirrors serve a bigger purpose than decoration. "When people think about the Olympics, they often think only about sports, but the Games are not just about the athletes and the medals," she explained. "They are about values, and this is where culture is so powerful."

The Ripple Effect

Roberta Massaccesi stumbled upon the mirrors while walking through the park with her son. He immediately asked to participate, creating a drawing that expressed how sports are good for everyone.

The timing felt perfect for Massaccesi. She and her son had just attended their first Olympic event together, a hockey match. "It was amazing!" she said.

Professor Chiara Vico from NABA designed the mirrors with intention. As visitors write their messages, they see their own faces reflected back. "The idea is that, for a moment, the written thoughts and the person expressing it overlap," Vico explained. "So your reflection and your message become one."

Messages now cover dozens of mirrored flowers across the park. They range from single powerful words to drawings to longer reflections about courage, teamwork, and personal growth.

The temporary installation reminds Milan residents that Olympic moments happen in communities, not just in arenas.