The National Sport Olympic Paralympic Museum has officially announced the addition of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Torch to its permanent collection.
Iran
NOC; Tehran: The torch, celebrated for its minimalist design and symbolic
depth, is currently being held under specialized preservation protocols within
the museum’s treasury. The official torch was donated to Iran following the
conclusion of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games through coordinated
international diplomatic channels. This acquisition follows the long-standing
Olympic tradition where commemorative torches are presented to participating
nations as enduring symbols of the Games. Named “Essential,” this specific
torch is regarded as one of the most iconic modern designs in the history of
the Winter Olympics. Its aesthetic minimizes physical complexity to direct all
visual focus toward the “flame” itself—the true spirit of the Games. The
artifact is characterized by its elegance, symbolic resonance, and eco-friendly
construction.
The
designers of the “Essential” torch aimed to convey the concept of “meaningful
simplicity,” shifting the focus back to the core essence of the Olympics:
humanity, light, movement, and shared values. Rather than serving as a mere
decorative object, the torch is intended to make “ethical principles and human
ideals” visible, hence its name, which represents the fundamental spirit of the
Olympic movement. While the artifact is currently secured in the museum’s
treasury to ensure its preservation, officials confirmed that it will
eventually be moved to the Olympic Symbols Hall. Once the exhibition space is
prepared, it will be unveiled for public viewing, offering sports enthusiasts,
students, and researchers a firsthand look at this global symbol of peace and
solidarity.