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Thousands Flock to Second Annual EU Open House in Washington
More than 50,000 visitors flocked to embassies across Washington on Saturday, May 3, 2008 during the second annual “EU Open House” event showcasing the diversity and unity of Europe.
From special exhibits to live performances to architectural splendor, there was something for everyone at this family-friendly fiesta during which embassies representing 26 of the 27 EU Member States and the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States opened their doors to the general public.
The EU Open House underscored the EU’s strong presence in the nation’s capital, as visitors enjoyed the rare opportunity to get a behind-the-gates glimpse of some of DC’s architectural gems – and at EU diplomacy in action.
From French champagne to Czech delicacies to Hungarian goulash to Spanish wine and cheese, a cornucopia of food and drink could be sampled throughout the day. Live performances, including musical acts and poetry readings, short film screenings and special exhibits were on offer at several embassies. Enthralling young and old alike, embassies stamped “passports” printed on glossy EU Open House flyers. It was a great way to travel to Europe, without leaving the country.
The 2008 EU Open House also kicked off Europe Week, a celebration of European culture across the US. For more information on Europe Week, please visit our Europe Week page, as well as our ongoing calendar of events arranged and hosted by EU Member State Embassies, the European Commission Delegation in Washington and other organizations affiliated with the EU in the United States.
Read about the 2007 First Annual EU Open House.
araba oyunları barbie oyunları gelinlik oyunları
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Please click on the photos below to view their full images.
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Embassy of the Czech Republic |
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Embassy of Finland (Source: Finnish Embassy) |
Source: Finnish Embassy |
Embassy of Germany (Source: German Embassy) |
German Ambassador to the US Klaus Scharioth (Source: German Embassy) |
Source: German Embassy |
German Embassy Treats (Source: German Embassy) |
Embassy of Greece (Source: Greek Embassy) |
Source: Greek Embassy |
Source: Greek Embassy |
Source: Greek Embassy |
Embassy of Hungary (Source: Hungarian Embassy) |
Tisza Dance Ensemble (Source: Hungarian Embassy) |
Source: Hungarian Embassy |
Source: Hungarian Embassy |
Embassy of Ireland |
Embassy of Latvia |
Embassy of Malta (Source: Maltese Embassy; Photographer Bruce Guthrie) |
Maltese Ambassador to the US Mark Miceli
(Source: Maltese Embassy; Photographer Bruce Guthrie) |
Embassy of Luxembourg |
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Embassy of Portugal Staff (Source: Portuguese Embassy) |
Embassy of Romania |
Embassy of Spain |
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European Commission Delegation |
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European Commission Delegation
Deputy Head of Mission Angelos Pangratis |
2007 Highlights
Thousands Throng First EU Open House in Washington
Several thousand visitors thronged Embassies across Washington on Saturday, May 12, 2007 during the first-ever "EU Open House" event showcasing the diversity and unity of Europe.
From special exhibits to live performances to architectural splendor, there was something for everyone at this family-friendly fiesta during which Embassies representing 22 of the 27 EU Member States and the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States opened their doors to the general public. Over the course of the day, participating Embassies registered some 38,000 visits.
The 2007 EU Open House underscored the EU's strong presence in the nation's capital, as visitors enjoyed the rare opportunity to get a behind-the-gates glimpse of some of DC's architectural gems – and at EU diplomacy in action.
"It was great! The atmosphere was really nice and everyone was in such good spirits – I really hope they do it again next year!" one first-time visitor to the German Embassy exclaimed after wending her way through a self-guided tour from the front gate to the Ambassador's airy, angular modern residence, with its breathtaking views of the city.
From French champagne to Portuguese pastries to Hungarian goulash to a Viennese coffee house, a cornucopia of food and drink could be sampled throughout the day. Live performances, including musical acts and poetry readings, short film screenings and special exhibits were on offer at several Embassies. Kids had fun with tattoos, face painting, soccer and gummi bears at the German Embassy, and with coloring books, soccer and LEGO building blocks at the Danish Embassy.
Enthralling young and old alike, Embassies stamped "passports" printed on glossy EU Open House flyers. It was a great way to travel to Europe, without leaving the country. Greece hailed the event as "a smashing success," and all EU Embassies' staff hope that everyone who came out to partake in DC's inaugural EU Open House would agree.
"I just wish I could have visited more Embassies," said one satisfied visitor who managed to take in four different Embassies. "This really should be spread out over two days – how about an 'EU weekend' next time around?"
EU Open House Video Offers a Taste of the Fun.
What Did People Say about the 2007 EU Open House?
The EU Embassies in Washington were overwhelmed by the enormous interest of Washington residents on May 12. Despite the crowds, visitors agreed that the Open House was a great way to experience the diversity and unity of Europe without leaving town!
- "It was very interesting and entertaining and I believe it was one of those events that are a unique Washington, DC, experience." - Emma, via email
- "At the EC Delegation, we had a lot of positive comments and feedback from visitors. The quiz with questions on Europe and the EU—prepared by one of our interns—was a great success, too; and people wanted to take the quiz even after we'd run out of prizes!" - Mattias, European Commission
- "We were able to visit 11 of the Embassies that were on the tour today and really were pleased with how responsive everyone was to the questions asked of them." - Mark, via email
- "Most people don't know what it's like to visit an Embassy, much less meet the person in charge of it. One lady spent ten minutes talking about the flowers with Ambassador Petersen, who has an avid interest in the Embassy's flora and greenery. It was only later that she realized he was the Ambassador. 'Oh my God, I thought he was the gardener,' she told a staffer." - Helene, Danish Embassy
- "I'd like to register a big bravo to the organizers of the May 12 event. The crowd crush was much more than I thought. I actually got to go into three Embassies, and stood outside of another to see the musical event, which is what I wanted to see and hear anyway. It looked like Washington, DC, was ready to embrace the Embassies of the EU." - Randall, via email
- "We visited Finland, Denmark and Germany and had a great time. I think the event was a big hit all around. Our son loved the LEGOs at Denmark. Finland's Embassy is beautiful…like a big treehouse, but without a family-friendly bathroom…" - Scott, via email
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