On May 11, Washington DC played host to the much-anticipated EU Open House, showcasing the rich diversity and cultural heritage of European countries. Thousands of visitors gathered at various embassies across the city to experience a taste of Europe.
The Italian Embassy drew crowds with its gratitude for the overwhelming response, thanking families and friends for experiencing Italy’s delights—from pizza and chocolate to language and innovation. The embassy also presented a moving art installation commemorating those affected by conflicts, offering a poignant reminder of our shared history.
Pure beauty, cutting-edge innovation, timeless design & state-of-the-art manufacturing, all Made in Italy at our #EUOpenHouse. @Lamborghini @Vespa_Official @ApriliaOfficial @motoguzziclub pic.twitter.com/1Ip9UGUwOH
— Italy in US (@ItalyinUS) May 11, 2024
Italy impressed visitors with displays of iconic Italian brands like Lamborghini and Vespa, alongside touching exhibits featuring human stories from international conflicts.
6453 times GRAZIE to kids, families, & friends who visited @ItalyinUS for #EUOpenHouse.
— Italy in US (@ItalyinUS) May 11, 2024
Thanks for enjoying with us 🇮🇹#Italy's pizza, chocolate, language, roots tourism, culture, innovation… and so much more! pic.twitter.com/4MtEIFT5qn
"Bearing Witness", 40 years of conflicts from the frontlines in powerful photos by war reporters @BiloFausto & @semprinif. 🇮🇹 #EUOpenHouse is lots of fun but this year also a reminder of the suffering of civilians, the despair of women & the confusion in the eyes of children at… pic.twitter.com/EXV7TL5Jgd
— Italy in US (@ItalyinUS) May 11, 2024
Meanwhile, the Polish Embassy stood out with its unique event inspired by Maria Skłodowska-Curie. Guests enjoyed special fashion shows featuring embassy staff and engaging chemistry workshops.
Starting off the party at the Embassy of Portugal 🇵🇹#EUOpenHouse | #PassportDC pic.twitter.com/vTb3oPkjDI
— Events DC (@TheEventsDC) May 11, 2024
This year #EUOpenHouse at @PolishEmbassyUS is truly extraordinary. Very scientific and very fashionable. Maria Skłodowska-Curie reigns supreme 🙂 👗👩🔬 pic.twitter.com/ZwYCkfvzRx
— Marek Magierowski (@mmagierowski) May 11, 2024
The Embassy of Sweden USA organized a Eurovision-themed celebration, captivating visitors in the colorful and musical atmosphere of Europe’s beloved competition.
The EU rocks. So different, so vibrant, so European. Stopped by @SwedeninUSA to celebrate the #Eurovision finals. What a beautiful way to show off our many great traditions and talents. pic.twitter.com/eXWddFXYUH
— Jovita Neliupšienė (@EUAmbUS) May 11, 2024
Latvia’s participation featured engaging exhibits highlighting cultural artifacts, business opportunities, and culinary delights, including specialties from Black Rooster Food, Speka Bar, and Riga Black Balsam.
–🇪🇺✨We had a fantastic time showcasing 🇱🇻 culture, business & study opportunities, as well as delicious food by @BlackRoosterFd @SpekaBar and @RigaBlackBalsam at #EUOpenHouse! Big thanks to “Namejs” and “Sudrabavots”for performing 🎶 See you next year! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dsT53fLq1o
— Latvia in USA | #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 (@Latvia_USA) May 12, 2024
Thank you incredible team @Latvia_USA for fantastic #EUOpenHouse! Our guests had learned about business & study possibilities in Latvia. Thank you @BlackRoosterFd @JurisBlodnieks for providing Latvian products! Huge thanks to singers from “Sidrabavots” and dancers from “Namejs”! pic.twitter.com/YPDwiJVRFp
— Ambassador Maris Selga (@SelgaMaris) May 12, 2024
The Embassy of Greece welcomed visitors with open doors, treating them to fascinating dance performances, musical showcases, and delectable treats—a true celebration of Greek culture.
🇬🇷🇪🇺Our embassy doors are officially open and Spyros and Nikos have started playing! Today we join @EUintheUS and our embassy friends for #EUOpenHouse 2024. From 10 AM to 4 PM, stop by the Embassy of Greece to enjoy a dance performance, a musical showcase, and yummy treats. pic.twitter.com/cQj6DMZnzd
— Embassy of Greece in the US🇬🇷 (@GreeceInUSA) May 11, 2024
The Netherlands Embassy and Belgium Embassy joined forces, offering visitors a combined experience to discover the best of both nations in one place.
We are officially open!! Team @BelgiumintheUSA– THE NETHERLANDS is ready to welcome you! 🇧🇪🇪🇺
— Netherlands Embassy in the US 🇳🇱🇺🇸 (@NLintheUSA) May 11, 2024
Two countries, one venue! Discover the best of Belgium and the Netherlands in one place at #EUOpenHouse, and join us at the Dutch Embassy at 4200 Linnean Ave NW (near Metro Van Ness) pic.twitter.com/yBafkAYzki
The German Embassy, in collaboration with the French Embassy, presented a delightful fusion of German and French culture, treating guests to culinary delights such as currywurst and French cheese.
It’s a beautiful day for EU Open House! Come join us at the French Embassy at 4101 Reservoir Road from 10 am to 4 pm for German and French culture, cuisine, music and more! #euopenhouse pic.twitter.com/rl6FYAJzaZ
— German Embassy (@GermanyinUSA) May 11, 2024
Every spring, our Embassy pairs with our French colleagues down the street for #EUOpenHouse – this year, my colleague @FrenchAmbUS is hosting at France's Embassy.
— Andreas Michaelis (@GermanAmbUSA) May 11, 2024
Here we are enjoying 🇫🇷 cheese and 🇩🇪 currywurst in front of our many American guests! Thanks to all who came out! pic.twitter.com/Rk4fO4jdbA
#EUOpenHouse ⎮ Glad to spend a moment with my colleagues @GermanAmbUSA Andreas Michaelis and @EUAmbUS Jovita Neliupšienė at the 🇫🇷&🇩🇪fête at the Embassy of France. A great sneak peak at #Paris2024! pic.twitter.com/JZtaMxrKZE
— Laurent Bili (@FrenchAmbUS) May 11, 2024
The Embassy of Slovakia attracted thousands of guests eager to learn about Slovakian culture and history through engaging presentations and displays.
We are looking forward to seeing many of you at @AustriainUSA for the EU Open House tomorrow from 10am-4pm!
— Embassy of Austria in the United States (@AustriainUSA) May 10, 2024
Grateful to be hosting together with our neighbors from @SlovakEmbassyUS.
Come join us for Austrian delicacies & coffee! ☕️#tasteofaustria @EUintheUS pic.twitter.com/sjtf8p9xhC
#EU Open House – big hit in DC again. 🇦🇹🇸🇰 neighborhood welcomed 1000s of guests eager to learn about Vienna, Bratislava, Košice, Nitra. 🙏 Slovak Embassy crew #ColorfulPeople band for a greay day pic.twitter.com/YEWgl8lMiU
— Radovan Javorcik (@RadovanJavorcik) May 11, 2024
The Estonian Embassy opened its doors after restoration, inviting guests to explore its historic yet modern space, featuring Estonian art and cultural experiences.
Today at #EUOpenHouse we welcomed thousands of visitors to our newly renovated embassy. Just wow!
— Estonian Embassy US (@Estonia_in_US) May 12, 2024
It was all hands on deck – our amazing volunteers & embassy team showed the best of Estonia🇪🇪, a proud member of the EU family.
Thank you to everyone 🇺🇸🇪🇺🇪🇪 for being with us! pic.twitter.com/dyXgKTmvWD
The EU Open House, a vibrant event, highlighted the spirit of togetherness and cultural exchange that defines the European Union, strengthening the bonds between Europe and the United States. It continues to be a cherished tradition, fostering understanding and appreciation among diverse communities.
We are ready at the @CzechEmbassyDC to welcome you all for the EU Open House today from 10am-4pm!
— CzechEmbassyDC (@CzechEmbassyDC) May 11, 2024
Come to enjoy 🇨🇿 delicacies, live music, fashion show of Czech national costumes, police dogs show, celebrate life of Czech composer Bedrich Smetana and much more! #EUOpenHouse… pic.twitter.com/L5wAqsuHuD