Rocky Ruggiero has been a professor of Art and Architectural History since 1999. He received his BA from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Arts degree from Syracuse University, where he was awarded a prestigious Florence Fellowship in 1996. He furthered his art historical studies at the University of Exeter, UK, where he received a Ph.D. in Art History and Visual Culture. In addition to lecturing for various American universities in Florence, Italy, including Syracuse, Kent State, Vanderbilt, and Boston College, Rocky has starred in various TV documentaries concerning the Italian Renaissance. He recently appeared as an expert witness for NBC News, as well as in the History Channel’s “Engineering an Empire: Da Vinci’s World” and “Museum Secrets: the Uffizi Gallery”, and the recent NatGeo/NOVA PBS program on Brunelleschi’s dome entitled “Great Cathedral Mystery.”

After living in Florence, Italy for 20 years, Rocky and his family moved to East Greenwich, RI, and he now divides his time between the US and Italy.

In the US, he offers specialized lectures as a paid speaker on art and architectural history, educational seminars on subjects ranging from Ancient Art and Architecture through the Italian Baroque, and cultural events throughout the country.

In Italy, Rocky offers private excursions and adult programs in Florence, Rome, Venice, Siena and Northern Italy.

Rocky also shares his knowledge and love of Italian art as an academic advisory board member of the non-profit group Friends of Florence and as a frequent collaborator and lecturer for the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, both of which have provided funds for the restoration of numerous works of art throughout Florence. He also lectures and serves as a college liaison for the prestigious Jay Pritzker Academy in Siem Reap, Cambodia.