VENETO50
The First 50 Years
In 1975, Professor Mario di Valmarana (1929-2010) established the University of Virginia’s first official international study abroad program — the Vicenza Program at the School of Architecture. Four years later, he founded the Venice Program specifically for graduate students. Valmarana envisioned these study abroad programs as an “extension of the University in another realm,” in which students could immerse themselves in the culture, art, and architecture of his native region of Italy, known as the Veneto.
Over 900 students have traveled with the Veneto Programs and the connections the A-School has cultivated over its 50-year history with the region are substantial. Today, the Vicenza Program continues to inspire over 20 students each year to examine the area first-hand through both contemporary and historical lenses, while strengthening their sketching skills, over five weeks in the summer. The Venice Program is a full-immersion experience and semester-long course of study for approximately 15 students each year, with 6 weeks of exploration and research in Venice. Collectively, the Veneto Programs are a cherished and integral part of the identity of the School of Architecture and the University of Virginia.
The Next 50 Years
Under the leadership of William Sherman as the Mario di Valmarana Professor and Director of the Veneto Programs, the School will continue to build on its 50 years of expertise in the Veneto Region. The Veneto Programs will grow their research foci to examine architectural history and preservation, climate change, coastal resiliency and urban planning in a global city. They will offer a series of courses and design projects that explore how well-considered design interventions and analyses, from urban and infrastructural scales to the building scale, could support daily life and help mitigate deteriorative effects on the historic built environments and landscapes. With a dedicated faculty, a semester-long studio, and a summer program, as well as the support of the Valmarana family, alumni, parents and friends, the School will continue to both learn from the area and be a force for good in the region.
To celebrate the start of the Vicenza Program in 1975, the UVA School of Architecture will embark on a 2-year series of programs and experiences to REFLECT, CELEBRATE + ELEVATE the Veneto Programs and reconnect the community of alumni, family and friends who have a shared love for these programs and places.
Save the Dates
— "A Visit to Venice: Living with Water" Virtual Lecture
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
with Valmarana Professor William Sherman
Hosted by UVA School of Architecture and UVA Lifetime Learning
Video Recording Available here.
— A-School Alumni and Friends Trip to Venice and Vicenza, Italy
SEPTEMBER 20 - 29, 2025
with Valmarana Professor William Sherman
Coordinated by Cavalier Travels and ISDI
https://engagement.virginia.edu/travel/Arch_vicenza/2025
-SOLD OUT-
— 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner at la Villa Rotonda in Vicenza, Italy
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
We have released more tickets!
Tickets for the dinner are $750/person (registrants are responsible for their own travel and hotel arrangements)
— Anniversary Celebration + Symposium in Charlottesville, Virginia
MARCH 13 and 14, 2026
Symposium at the UVA Rotunda and Campbell Hall
Celebration Dinner at Barboursville Vineyards
If you are interested in staying up to date on the latest VENETO50 events and activities, special lectures and talks, please fill out this INTEREST FORM to stay informed about both events and to receive a reminder regarding tickets sales.
FAQs
Do I need to be an alumnus/alumna of the A-School or the Veneto Programs to attend?
No. All friends and family can purchase tickets for either event. Partners are welcome to join. Space is limited at both events and are based on a first come, first serve basis.
Can I cancel?
Yes. We understand that plans may change. The Gala Dinner will be refundable up to 3 months before the event. The Alumni Trip cancellation and refund policy is listed under "Terms and Conditions".
The Alumni Trip to Italy is sold out — is there a waitlist?
You can call UVA Cavalier Travel at 866-765-2646 to be added to the Alumni Trip waitlist. We intend on offering this Venice and Vicenza Trip in future years as well.
Additional Questions?
Contact Kim Wong Haggart, Director of Engagement and Alumni Initiatives, at kimwong@virginia.edu.