Since its foundation AIS-Phila has been deeply involved with the city of Venice.

Each year, we welcome distinguished guests who guide us through different aspects of this extraordinary city—its history, challenges, beauty, and enduring cultural significance.

From art and architecture to environmental and global issues, the Venice Lecture Series offers a deeper look into a city that is as complex as it is captivating.

5:30pm EST Aperitivo
6:00pm EST Lecture (in Person and on Zoom)

March 19th NEW DATE! - Is Venice Flooding? Rising Seas and Overtourism - by Nicolò Dal Fabbro, Ph.D.

April 2nd - Innovation and Design in the Heart of Venice - by Arch. Francesco Sgrazzutti

APRIL 9th, 2026 at 5:30 PM at AIS-Phila

Sicily is a land of strong character and deep history. Every step on the island reflects centuries of cultures and traditions. Sicily tells its story through its wines.

In this class, we will explore Sicily through seven wines, from sparkling to dessert. We’ll learn what makes Sicilian wine so special. If you love Italian wine and food, feel a connection to Sicily, or simply love Italy, this class is for you.

The class is led by Steve Decina, a Level 3 Sommelier, Italian Wine Specialist, and Certified Wine Instructor with the National Wine School.

The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia in collaboration with the Italian General Consulate of Philadelphia, PI-Philly and Bryn Mawr College is organizing a special lecture series in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States.

Talks will explore the influence of key Italian intellectuals like Filangieri, Mazzei and Beccaria on the Founding Fathers and beyond.

​For members and students only
Free - Online - In Slow Italian

Slow Italian is a perfect way for you to improve your comprehension and increase your vocabulary, all of that while learning about Italy.

Thinking about Relocating to Italy? or just buying a house there?

March 10th
5:30pm EST Online

In this webinar Lawyer Alessandro Mignacca from Italiza will describe the process for those interested in moving to Italy whether that is work, retirement, investment, study, etc.

Alessandro will speak about visas, required documents, resident permit and buying property.

Free Webinar
RSVP for Zoom link

AIS-Phila and Gran Caffè L'Aquila

A sampling tour of authentic Italian food and wine.
Join us on selected Saturdays at Gran Caffè l'Aquila for a memorable lunch with typical food, wine, and a presentation on the city we are honoring.

Torino – January 10, presented by Nadia - Sold Out
Aosta – January 31, presented by Michela - Sold Out
Modena – March 7, presented by Francesco
Pavia – February 28, presented by Michela
Assisi – March 14, presented by Elisa
Teramo – March 28, presented by Michele
Cosenza – April 11, presented by Manuela
Roma – April 25, presented by Michele Sold Out
Cilento – May 9, presented by Michela
Bolzano – May 23, presented by Cristina
Le Cinque Terre – June 6, presented by Fabio

Saturday at 11:30 am EST
Gran Caffè L’Aquila
1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia (second floor)

Discounted rate for MEMBERS

with Rosanna Calabrò

Free for MEMBERS, others welcome!

Online discussion on Italian films. You watch the film at home and come discuss it on Zoom in Italian.
For intermediate-advance Italian students who are passionate or curious about Italian cinema.

March 10th - Futura
March 17th - Era Ora
March 24th - La Giovinezza
March 31st - L’uomo che verrà

Let's talk Todi Info Session

Zoom Recording available on the Todi page

Prepare your questions and come learn about studying abroad in Todi this June with AIS.

Todi is a picturesque medieval hill town in Umbria, overlooking the Tiber Valley. Known for its historic piazzas, stone streets, and beautiful countryside views, it offers an authentic and peaceful Italian atmosphere.

Elisa will be there to speak about the experience and answer any question.

RSVP below to receive the Zoom link

with Rosanna Calabrò

Free and open to AIS MEMBERS

Books and discussion will be in English on selected Thursday at 4:00 pm ET (ONLINE)

January 22nd at 4pm - The Letter Carrier

Bring Italy closer this holiday season!

Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:30 pm
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel
18th and Spruce Street

Experience an exclusive tour of the Italian Renaissance Collection at the National Gallery of Art

December 4th

Your ticket includes access to the tour and a seat on the charter bus.

Charter Bus Schedule:
8:30 a.m. - Depart from the AIS office in Philadelphia
11 a.m. - Arrive in D.C. at the National Gallery of Art
1 p.m. - Tour the Italian Renaissance Collection
2 p.m. - Free time
4 p.m. - Depart from D.C.

Tickets are limited to the first 24 people who purchase.

The trip will run with a minimum of 20 people registered by September 20th.

The Italian American Holiday Tradition

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
at 8:00 pm

Gran Caffè L’Aquila
1716 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia (second floor)

This beloved tradition was born right here in the United States, when Italian immigrants in cities like Philadelphia brought their Christmas

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Celebrating the aperitivo culture

More than just a drink, Aperitivo is a cherished Italian ritual, a sacred pause that bridges the workday and the evening meal. The word itself comes from the Latin "aperire," meaning "to open", and it perfectly describes how Aperitivo is meant to open your appetite and your senses before dinner. It's a relaxed, social gathering where Italians unwind, connect with friends and family, and enjoy a light drink and some delicious bites. Think of it as a pre-dinner moment of "la dolce vita"—the sweet life.

Friday, October 3
6-7 pm at AIS-Phila

Join us for an evening of effortless elegance and Italian flair as we welcome Rosa Agliata, Italian style curator and founder of My Italian Lifestyle, for an inspiring and interactive presentation.

Rosa will share the top Fall fashion trends straight from Italy—what’s making waves in Milan and beyond—along with timeless styling tips to elevate your wardrobe this season.

Bonus Style Moment:
You’ll also learn 3 chic and versatile ways to wear a scarf—the ultimate Italian accessory.

This is a BYOS event: Bring Your Own Scarf! Whether it’s silk, wool, vintage, or brand new—come ready to play, learn, and get inspired.

Enjoy a relaxed, conversational atmosphere with light bites and conversation, surrounded by fellow lovers of Italian culture and style.

Connect with Rosa: linktr.ee/rosaagliata

September 24th
11 AM to 4 PM at AIS-Phila

Book an informative conversation with Italian travel specialist Giovanna Chiti as part as a special benefit event sponsored by the America-Italy Society of Philadelphia.

Founder Discover My Italy, Giovanna has been introducing small groups and custom tours to everything that is beautiful, exceptional and delicious about her beloved Italy.

Your 30 minute private consultation with Giovanna is a valuable chance to get expert answers to every question about your upcoming or potential trip to Italy and a great way to support the America-Italy Society of Philadelphia outreach work.

Americans in Italy at the turn of the century

Luca Cottini, PhD
Creator and host of Italian Innovators
Associate professor of Italian Studies at Villanova University

Postponed

A leading scholar of 20th-century Italian design and literature, Dr. Cottini will explore how American artists, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals shaped Italian culture at the dawn of the modern era.

SILENT ART AUCTION

November 6th - 13th 2025
Bid link below

AIS-Phila's Silent Auction

We invite you to admire and bid on the works of Tuscan artists Stefano Puzzuoli and Ursula Corsi.

These talented artists have graciously shared their works of art with the Society to be silently auctioned for this week following our inaugural art Exhibit. ( LEARN MORE )

After fair compensation to the artists, all procede will go toward bringing the Italian language to K-12 schools.

Happy bidding!

Come view the art works in person at AIS-Phila.

January 22nd, 2026 at 5:30 pm EST
On Zoom and In-Person
University of Pennsylvania, Williams Hall 543

Welcome Alan Raskin home! In this special Vittorini Event we will hear from Alan’s experience in Italy and announce the Vittorini Award 2026.

Nico Frandi, Italian General Consul of Philadelphia and Steve Vittorini will give their special remarks. Light refreshments will be served at the event

Join us in person on Penn Campus or on Zoom.

Italiza

May 28th
5:30 pm ET on Zoom
Free and open to all

Did you know the Italian Government recently made major changes to its citizenship laws and eligibility?
Join lawyer Alessandro Mignacca in reviewing these changes and exploring what they mean for the future of citizenship in Italy.

Joe Caliva (guitarist/vocalist)

May 29th
Aperitivo 5:30 pm - Concert 6:00 pm
at AIS-Phila

Singer and guitarist Joe Caliva returns to his home city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a special evening of classic Neapolitan serenades, or Serenate Napoletane. Through song, Caliva will celebrate the rich history, culture, and spirit of Naples, Italy in this unique performance. As the son of second-generation Italian-American parents, Caliva connects deeply to these timeless melodies, which once served as cherished ties to Italy for immigrants who arrived in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The songs will be performed in their original Neapolitan dialect, accompanied by stories and historical context shared in English.

Barnes Foundation

Tour the Italian collection. Experience a private tour curated exclusively for AIS-Phila and led by Joe Caliva

Saturday, May 17th, 2025 at 11 am
English-Speaking Tour* SOLD OUT

Sunday, May 18th, 2025 at 2 pm
English-Speaking Tour* SOLD OUT

*Due to the high request, both tours are now in English

Artist Talk:
Roberto Vignoli e Claudia Quintieri
in Italian

May 9th
Aperitivo at 5:30 p.m.
Lecture at 6 p.m.
at AIS-Phila

RSVP

Roberto and Claudia will present their recently published, collaborative book Accendi una finestra. The book is comprised of Claudia's poems and Roberto's photographs. Each photo was shot in response to the poetry and the classic history from which it derives.

Indipendent Sounds

ACT 1 of Verdi’s “La Traviata”

May 8th, 2025 - 5:30 pm at AIS-Phila (SOLD OUT)

Join IndependentSounds! for a special evening featuring Act I of Verdi’s La Traviata, semi-staged and in costume, hosted by the America-Italy Society of Philadelphia. Enjoy a 30-minute performance followed by a 15-minute lecture from Angela Gilbert, a renowned lyric coloratura soprano with roles at the San Francisco Opera, San Diego Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera. She’ll explore Verdi’s impact on Italian nationalism and opera pitch standards. Reserve your tickets now for this unique blend of performance and history!