Vitale Zanchettin

Vitale Zanchettin is Associate Professor of History of Architecture at Università Iuav di Venezia, where he has taught since 2001 and earned his PhD in 1999. He holds a dual professional role as curator of the Office of Architectural Superintendance at the Vatican Museums since 2015, managing scientific supervision of architectural restorations. He has held visiting professorships at the University of Virginia and Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, and was an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow (2007–2009) and Rudolf Wittkower Fellow.

His research focuses on Renaissance architecture, particularly the works of Michelangelo and Raphael, with an emphasis on materiality—especially stone—and construction processes. He has also studied urban development in early 16th-century Rome and the architectural legacy of Carlo Scarpa and Adolf Loos.

He has been recognized with the Hanno-und-Ilse-Hahn Prize in 2009 for his research on the Vatican Basilica. Since 2000, he has collaborated with the Centro Internazionale di Architettura Andrea Palladio in Vicenza, where he is a member of the scientific committee.

• PhD in History of Architecture and Urban Planning, Università Iuav di Venezia (1999)

Zanchettin’s research reveals deep connections between architectural form and material structure, particularly in Michelangelo’s use of massive stone beyond structural necessity, reflecting a monumentality intrinsic to his design philosophy. His work bridges academic scholarship and practical heritage conservation.

Scientific Awards:

• Hanno-und-Ilse-Hahn Prize (2009)

While no formal list of advisees or grants is provided, his leadership in major research projects and curatorial role at the Vatican Museums suggests significant mentorship and project supervision. He has led research initiatives such as Michelangelo, le verità della pietra. Architetture oltre la superficie, supported by prestigious fellowships.

Zanchettin is actively involved in institutional research teams and collaborates with international centers including the Max Planck Institutes in Rome and Florence, as well as the Österreichisches Institut in Rom. His curatorial office at the Vatican Museums functions as a key hub for architectural restoration and scholarly oversight.