BUILDING CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP
Vittorio Calabrese is an Italian-born, New York-based cultural strategist and arts management consultant with over 15 years of experience working with museums, nonprofits, foundations, artists, heritage brands, auction houses, and galleries. His practice focuses on reimagining how cultural institutions are built and sustained, from startup ventures to multigenerational philanthropy, bridging the U.S., Italy, and global networks.
As the Founding Executive Director of Magazzino Italian Art (Apr 2015–Jan 2024), Vittorio partnered closely with the founders to transform a private vision into a dynamic museum dedicated to post-war and contemporary Italian art. He played a pivotal role in building the institution entirely from the ground up by shaping its mission, assembling and leading a team of over 35 staff, and developing operational, curatorial, and audience strategies. Over nine years, he produced more than 100 programs including exhibitions, artist commissions, symposia, and public events. He also oversaw two major architectural projects: the museum’s 25,000 sq. ft. main building and its 15,000 sq. ft. Robert Olnick Pavilion expansion.
SHAPING THE
CULTURAL ECOSYSTEM OF TOMORROW
Vittorio advises museums, artists, estates, founders, philanthropists, and cultural leaders on institutional strategy, programming, and growth, fostering cross-border partnerships between Europe and the U.S. He collaborates with heritage brands to develop cultural initiatives that explore legacy and innovation, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with public institutions and communities.
Alongside his independent practice, Vittorio is a Senior Associate at AEA Consulting, where he contributes to strategic planning with major U.S. museums and cultural organizations, as well as institutional development projects across Europe.
Born in Irpinia, Italy, he holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MA in History of Art and the Art Market from Christie’s Education, and both a BA and MA in Management of Government and International Institutions from Bocconi University.
Relevant Press and Media
ARTRIBUNE.COM
IL FUTURO DEL MUSEO SI PROGETTA OGGI. LA CONSULENZA CULTURALE VISTA DA NEW YORK
June 25, 2025
THE ART NEWSPAPER
IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS, MAGAZZINO ITALIAN ART FOUNDATION COMMISSIONS EIGHT ITALIAN ARTISTS TO PRODUCE NEW WORK
April 2, 2020
WE THE ITALIANS
INTERVIEW WITH VITTORIO CALABRESE (DIRECTOR OF MAGAZZINO ITALIAN ART)
September 6, 2022
ELLE DECOR
IN NEW YORK, ITALIAN CULTURE SPREADS WITH THE NEW MAGAZZINO ITALIAN ART
January 31, 2024
ARTRIBUNE.COM
PRESENTE E FUTURO DI MAGAZZINO ITALIAN ART, L’ISTITUZIONE CHE PORTA L’ARTE ITALIANA IN USA
December 29, 2021
ARTNET NEWS
‘WE WANTED THE COMMUNITY TO EMBRACE US’: MAGAZZINO DIRECTOR VITTORIO CALABRESE ON THE MUSEUM’S PLACE IN THE HUDSON VALLEY
July 12, 2019
ARTNET NEWS
WET PAINT IN THE WILD: MAGAZZINO ITALIAN ART MUSEUM DIRECTOR VITTORIO CALABRESE TAKES US FROM UPSTATE NEW YORK TO HOUSTON AND BEYOND
July 8, 2022
ART SHELTERS: NEW SINGLE-COLLECTION MUSEUMS
AIANY CULTURAL FACILITIES COMMITTEE AND ART OMI: ARCHITECTURE
Panel with Annabelle Selldorf and Amy Kaufman of AK Cultural Planning, moderated by Warren James (Art Omi)
September 11, 2020
ITALIAN CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN NEW YORK
RAGUSA FOUNDATION
Conversation with Stefano Albertini (NYU) and Nicola Lucchi (CIMA), moderated by Andrea Ciccarelli (President Ragusa Foundation)
December 5, 2023