Celebrating 50 years of the Venice and Vicenza Programs at the UVA School of Architecture
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.
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.
TRAVEL ADVISORY
Bus strike with minimum services Monday, September 22nd:
Air transit strike Friday, September 26th:
https://www.veneziaairport.it/it_it/news/venerd-26-settembre-sciopero-nazionale-del-trasporto-aereo/
Wednesday 24 September
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5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
Welcome Reception and Valmarana Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Dress is business casual Join us at the Valmarana Center, as you arrive to Vicenza, and explore our new home for the Veneto Programs and UVA’s first academic outpost abroad. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5PM and then some light food and drink to welcome alumni, friends and program partners to Vicenza. |
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Thursday 25 September
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10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
VENETO50 Talk: Building Bridges at the Valmarana Center with Professor Bill Sherman
Valmarana Professor and Veneto Program Director, Bill Sherman, will share how collaborations between UVA and partners in Vicenza and Venice - across many disciplines - will provide students and faculty with the tools to address global challenges and imagine a better future.. He will reflect upon the last 50 years of the Veneto Programs, founded by Mario di Valmarana, and the exciting future opportunities with the Valmarana Center.
NOTE: Thursdays are market days in Vicenza! Be sure to give yourself a little more time in the morning as you walk to the lecture to enjoy all the local delicacies and the trucks/stands with goods. |
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5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. |
VENETO50 Fundraising Gala and Anniversary Dinner Dress is cocktail attire Free roundtrip shuttle transportation will be provided. Pick up will be near the Glam Boutique Hotel (Viale Antonio Giuriolo, 10 ) starting at 4:45PM sharp; shuttles will run continuously until 5:30PM. The shuttles will start leaving Villa La Rotonda at 10:30PM and run continuously back to the Glam Hotel. Guests are welcome to transport themselves to Villa La Rotonda by walking, taking public transportation or driving. There is limited parking in the area. Nametags will be at the door; no tickets are needed. Guests will be able to sit where they please for dinner; we will not have assigned seats. |
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TRAVEL INFORMATION
Getting to and from Venice and Vicenza can be complicated because both cities don’t allow cars in their historic centers! Here are recommended travel options as you make your way to Vicenza.
STAY CONNECTED
Join our WhatsApp group to stay connected with fellow alumni and ask questions before or during the trip.
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS & SKETCHES
Do you have photos or sketches from your time in Venice or Vicenza with UVA? We would love to showcase them! Find your old sketchbooks or digital files, and share them with us. Fill out this form to upload and tell us a little about your sketches or photos.
FUNDRAISING GALA DETAILS
Transportation: Free shuttle transportation will start at 4:40PM in front of the Glam Hotel (Viale Antonio Giurolo, 10). Six 8-person shuttles will run continuously from the Glam Hotel to the Rotonda, with the aim to get all guests to the event by 5:40PM (it is an 8 minute drive to the Rotonda). We planned for a 2-hour reception (5-7PM) to accommodate this hour of arrivals – so don’t worry if you have to wait for the shuttle, you will have time to enjoy the reception in daylight (sunset is at 7:15PM).
Dress: Cocktail attire. We recommend bringing jacket or sweater as the evenings cool down. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground.
Seating: No assigned seating. Long “royal” tables let you sit with friends or meet new people!
Dinner: We will have a set menu for the seated meal.
- Primi/First Course:
- Risotto with porcini mushrooms (GF, V)
- Secondi/Second Course:
- Warm, slow-braised beef over sweet potato puree (GF)
If you shared restrictions or allergies, a table tent card will alert the caterer, who will do their best to accommodate you.
Have questions about Veneto50?
Please email Kim Wong Haggart (kaw3ap@virginia.edu)
This program is sponsored by:
