As the Olympic cauldrons of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games burned fervently at Arco della Pace in Milano and Piazza Dibona in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Milano Cortina 2026 signals a series of firsts. In a historic departure from tradition, Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo each lit their Olympic cauldron as the symbolic flame multiplied across the two host cities. In a vision of Armonia (harmony in Italian), competitions for the 116 medal events across eight sports and 16 disciplines were spread across various northern Italian cities, as Milano Cortina 2026 is the first edition of the Olympic Winter Games to adopt a polycentric model. For OMEGA, the manufacture writes a new chapter in its history books by hosting its first-ever OMEGA House at a Winter Olympics, following the concept’s resounding success at recent Summer editions.
Located within Ristorante Cracco inside the storied Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Biel/Bienne manufacture’s could hardly be a more fitting address for its winter residence. The temple of contemporary Italian gastronomy helmed by Carlo Cracco doubled as a lounge and a living expression of OMEGA’s 94-year legacy as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games. Housed within a 19th-century glass-roofed arcade that connects the Duomo to La Scala, Ristorante Cracco unfolds across 1,100 square metres and five meticulously designed floors. Stepping through the front doors from the bustling arcade, one is instantly transported into a world of retro-Milanese opulence, backed by quintessential Italian hospitality. Think hand-painted wallpaper, mosaic and parquet floors, antique mirrors, and Art Deco-inflected arches and pilasters. The interiors are further accented by OMEGA’s signature scarlet red touches, ranging from display touch points to plush cushions.
OMEGA House’s opening gala night brought together a constellation of ambassadors, including actors George Clooney and Park Bo-gum, as well as other friends of the brand. “This venue in Milano is our first-ever OMEGA House at the Olympic Winter Games. It has proven to be such a success at summer editions, so we are truly looking forward to giving our winter guests the same amazing OMEGA experience. Opening night always creates such excitement and we’re delighted that George and Bo-gum could bring their star quality to the night,” shared OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann, who underscored the significance of the moment.
For Park, the evening carried a more personal resonance. After being freshly minted as OMEGA’s global ambassador last December, the South Korean star spoke about his experience with nothing less than his characteristic sincerity. “My relationship with OMEGA is still new, but I’m already experiencing so much of their quality,” he shared. “I’ve seen the brand’s excellence in their watchmaking, now they are demonstrating it in the sporting world. I’m honoured to celebrate their Olympic Games legacy here at OMEGA House Milano, and to understand more about their historic role.”
Men’s Folio is proud to feature an exclusive interview with Park Bo-gum about his time at the OMEGA House, his evolving partnership with OMEGA, and what the Olympic spirit means to him as an artist in constant pursuit of excellence.
How have you been enjoying your Olympic experience so far?
I attended the Opening Ceremony, and experiencing the Olympics in person was truly moving. The ceremony at the iconic San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan was a beautiful moment where artistry, creativity, and Italy’s unique storytelling blended seamlessly.
Tomorrow, I plan to watch the speed skating events, and I’m looking forward to feeling the energy of the athletes as they push beyond their limits to create their finest moments. Being there together with OMEGA makes it personally even more meaningful and special for me. Perhaps because of that, every moment of the Olympics feels even more significant.
Are you familiar with Milan? What do you like most about this host city?
Although my stay isn’t very long, I’ve been able to deeply appreciate Milan’s charm. What stands out most is how naturally tradition and modern sensibility coexist. It feels like a city where layers of history are enriched by contemporary creativity and energy. Every street and every building seems to tell its own story.
Do you have any childhood memories of the Olympics?
Carrying the torch at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics remains an unforgettable moment in my life. Standing there in person, I realised that the Olympics are not just a sporting event, but a place where the time, effort, and heartfelt dedication of countless people come together.
Recently, I portrayed a police officer who was a former Olympic boxing gold medalist. Through that experience, I developed even greater respect for the perseverance and hard work of athletes who spend years competing against themselves. I truly applaud their dedication.
Have you personally tried many winter sports?
I’ve had the opportunity to try skating and snowboarding.
If you are familiar with OMEGA, what do you think is the biggest reason the brand has been selected as Official Timekeeper?
I believe OMEGA symbolises precision, reliability, and a deep respect for history. At the Olympics, even 0.001 of a second can change the outcome, so accuracy and trust are absolutely essential. Through OMEGA’s long-standing partnership with the Games, you can truly feel its sense of responsibility and commitment to excellence.
Which OMEGA watch would you consider your “gold medal champion”?
For me, it’s the Planet Ocean. It combines strength and precision, and what I find most appealing is that it remains reliable even in extreme conditions. Like the deep sea, it has a calm yet powerful presence—steady and unwavering in any situation.
In fierce competition, a single moment of focus can determine the outcome. What habit do you consider most important for maintaining concentration?
I focus on my breathing and try to stay fully present in the moment.
What has been the most personally memorable moment at the Olympic venue?
I was deeply moved by the sight of athletes encouraging and embracing one another, regardless of the results. It reminded me that the Olympic spirit goes beyond winning and losing — it’s about respect and genuine human connection.
The Olympic spirit of pushing beyond limits aligns with OMEGA’s philosophy. Have you recently experienced a moment where you felt you surpassed your own limits?
Recently, I took on a project that required significant physical energy. It wasn’t easy, but I realised that new challenges become powerful motivation for personal growth and development.
Amid a busy schedule, do you have a simple way to refresh your condition or mood?
Listening to music, taking a quiet walk, or enjoying a warm cup of tea helps me a lot. Those small moments allow me to regain balance.
When you think of moments where “time” is crucial, like at the Olympics, what scene comes to mind first?
The intense split second of crossing the finish line comes to mind. In that instant — when everything seems to pause — time, effort, and emotion feel condensed into one powerful moment.
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our February 2026 issue.