Shortcut to Europe | Experience the best of European Culture without the Jet Lag

European Union Embassies’ Open House| Saturday, May 11
| 10 am - 4 pm

European Union Embassies, and incoming Member State Croatia, are greeting visitors this Saturday at Open House tours organized by Passport DC and the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.  Visitors will have an opportunity to experience international cultural activities, sample authentic food, beverages, music, dance, crafts, and preview art exhibitions.  Branded by Passport DC as Shortcut to Europe, the European Delegation has branded the day with the invitation, Experience the best of European Culture without Jet Lag.

For Chevy Chase | Bethesda | Potomac residents, driving south, or using Metro, a good starting point is the Embassy of Belgium on Garfield at 34^th Street.  You might view this location as the "gateway to Embassy Row.  The next embassies' Open House tours will be within walking distance along Massachusetts Avenue.  Complimentary shuttle bus service offer free travel to more distant embassies from 10 am to 4 pm.

Embassy of Belgium | 3330 Garfield Street NW

In announcing the Open House, the Embassy of Belgium is encouraging visitors to sample the culture and explore the architecture of five stunning residences in the Belgian capital through the exhibition "The Cradle of Art Nouveau: Victor Horta and Brussels."

The EU Embassies Open House can also be viewed as a kick-off to vacation season.  Visitors can pick up tourist brochures and the Belgium Embassy is extending an invitation to meet with a representative of Brussels Airlines for information on the new direct flights between Washington/Dulles and Brussels Airport.  

Embassy of Finland | 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW

The Embassy of Finland and the Embassy of Sweden are jointly celebrating the 375^th anniversary of the first Finnish and Swedish settlers in America this year.  The 375^th Anniversary Jubilee – Making it in America will be taking place in Philadelphia on Saturday in recognition of the first settlement along the Delaware River. 

Promoting its status as the exquisite "green" embassy the Finnish are extending an invitation to introduce visitors to the building’s architecture, culture, food, and sweets. See EU Open House opens doors to visit the Jewel of the Embassy Row!

United Kingdom | British Embassy | 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

The British Embassy will again showcase the Ambassador’s residence and gardens. Information on British business and trade will be available and visitors will enjoy the introduction to British food and beverage.  See UK EU Day Open House 

Embassy of Italy | 3000 Whitehaven Street, NW 

The Italian Embassy is inviting Open House visitors to explore trends and traditions, Italian cars, design and art exhibitions, and enjoy great food.

Embassy of Denmark | 3200 Whitehaven St. NW, Washington, DC

In addition to highlights of Danish culture and food, the Embassy of Denmark is featuring the country’s sustainability goals: Denmark Knows Water - visit us on EU Open House Day and learn why.

Embassy of France and Embassy of Germany | 4101 Reservoir Road, NW

France and Germany are co-hosting the embassies' Open House as a celebration of "Franco-German Year" that will include activities for children (face-painting, photo-booths, and games), music, and French and German food and drink.

A special "diplomatic | three-course prix-fixe lunch" is being offered, featuring French and German dishes. Reservations are required and tickets must be purchased in advance.  Plan ahead: Buy Prix-Fixe Lunch Tickets. 

For additional information see Embassy of France  |  Embassy of Germany 

Embassy of Sweden | 2900 K Street, NW

The Embassy of Sweden is inviting visitors to sample the Swedish café, enjoy Swedish music and the rooftop views.  The House of Sweden has been rated as DC’s pick for Best Rooftop Yoga Session by Washington City Paper.

There are several exhibitions of note, including one that mirrors the Finnish 375^th anniversary celebration of Finnish|Swedish settlers in America, an exhibition of the migration of 1.3 million Swedes to America.

The Swedish Embassy | House of Sweden is designed following environmental and sustainable principles.  The Swedish lifestyle has also led to innovations in healthcare, including the pacemaker, stent, anesthetics and eHealth products.  Members of the NIH and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) community might remember the embassy as a venue for a series of seminars on Health and Care. Those in the transportation industry might recall, a Sustainable Transportation Seminar.  Visit the Embassy of Sweden website.

There are 28 embassies’ with Open House tours on Saturday.  View the full list of Participating EU Embassies.

Plan you trip: Download the EU Embassies' Open House Brochure with map and shuttle bus route. 

Interested only in "green" embassies, see added highlights at greeningDC.

All the embassies are wonderful venues, offering a range of events throughout the year.  Open House visitors will want to continue checking the monthly events schedule online for repeat visits.  ENJOY Shortcut to Europe!