Washington DC, May 13, 2024 – There were 6453 visitors to the Embassy of Italy on Saturday for the usual EU Open House, during which all European Union embassies open their doors to the public for Europe Day celebrations.
Visitors, welcomed into the Embassy building designed in the nineties by architect Piero Sartogo with a shape that replicates the layout of Washington created at the end of the eighteenth century, were entertained by a cultural offering and a display dedicated to Made in Italy.
On the occasion of Open House, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute, the photographic exhibition “Bearing Witness” by Francesco Semprini and Fausto Biloslavo was inaugurated in Washington. Curated by Giorgia Rivera, the exhibition illustrates 40 years of conflicts around the world, covered by the two war correspondents: from Lebanon in 1982 to post-colonial Africa, to the Balkans and Ukraine. The main hall hosted the interactive project “The Golden Doors to Infinity” by artist William Adair, consisting of 4 golden doors, inspired by Walt Whitman’s poetry during the American Civil War period as an elegy for those directly or indirectly affected by conflicts.
Also present with their own stand was the University of Maryland, with an Italian lecturer presenting curricula in Italian language and literature, as well as the institutions and associations in the capital area that contribute to the dissemination of Italian language and culture such as Casa Italiana and The Italian Cultural Society. Information stands from COMITES and Italians in DC illustrated activities for the local community. Promotional videos from ENIT (the Italian National Tourist Board) and videos on the Turismo delle Radici (tourism based on family roots) project were screened, aimed at attracting travelers to rediscover their origins in Italy.
Outside the building, among other main attractions, were the Lamborghini car stand and the two-wheeler stand, in collaboration with “La Moto” of Washington, featuring the display of three Piaggio Vespas (in the colors of the Italian tricolor) and models of Moto Guzzi and Aprilia motorcycles.
Entertainment for children was also provided through activities organized by Kinder Joy of Moving, with the help of volunteers.
Opportunities to taste some of the most typical products of Italian gastronomy were also available, from gelato by Dolci Gelati to pizza by Orocatering and Ferrero.
