Winter Olympics exhibition in Milan offers a glimpse behind the opening ceremony

An exhibition at Milan's Palazzo Castiglioni displays 39 photographs by Giampaolo Sgura of volunteers and staff during dress rehearsals for the Feb. 6 Winter Olympics opening ceremony; it runs through Feb. 17 and the images will join the Olympic Museum in Lausanne's permanent collection.

An exhibition opened in Milan that presents behind-the-scenes moments from the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Titled "REHEARSAL — Before the Applause," it features 39 images by Italian photographer Giampaolo Sgura taken during dress rehearsals ahead of the Feb. 6 ceremony. Sgura was granted rare access to more than 1,200 volunteers and photographed performers, designers, stagehands and craftspeople. The display is installed on the stairs of Palazzo Castiglioni in the Porta Venezia district and runs through Feb. 17. Key details: - The exhibition includes 39 photographs by Giampaolo Sgura. - Sgura was given rare access to more than 1,200 volunteers during dress rehearsals for the opening ceremony. - Images show performers in bright, intricate costumes as well as designers, creative directors, stagehands and craftspeople. - The show is at Palazzo Castiglioni in Milan's Porta Venezia district and runs through Feb. 17. - The Olympic Museum in Lausanne organized the exhibit and emphasized the effort and dedication of volunteers. - After the Milan run ends, the photographs will become part of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne's permanent collection. Summary: The photographs highlight the collective effort and volunteer contribution behind the opening ceremony and reflect the Olympic Museum's effort to interpret Olympic values through contemporary art. The exhibition closes on Feb. 17 in Milan, and the images will then join the Olympic Museum in Lausanne's permanent collection.