On Saturday, May 10, the Embassy of Italy, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Washington DC, will open its doors to the public for the annual European Union Embassies’ Open House (#EUOpenHouse). The event, in which all the EU member states’ embassies in the American capital take part, always attracts large numbers of visitors to the Italian Embassy – around 7000 in 2013. This year, visitors will again have a chance to admire the fine Embassy building designed by Piero Sartogo and take part in a rich programme of travel-related events. The Open House day will also bring the highlights of Expo Milan 2015 to a wide-ranging U.S. public.
Italian invention and innovation underscored by Ambassador Bisogniero
“From Amerigo Vespucci to space exploration, we want visitors to learn more about a fundamental characteristic of Italians – a natural predisposition for discovery and innovation in all fields,” noted Ambassador of Italy Claudio Bisogniero. “At the same time, we also invite them here to the Embassy to spend a fun day with us enjoying shows, good food, games, and lots of other activities for all ages”.
Events for Open House day
The Musetta Valzer stilt acrobats will dance to melodies from Puccini’s La Bohème and Verdi’s La Traviata, and other musical and artistic performances will take place throughout the day. A touch screen will allow guests to leaf through the Codex on the Flight of Birds, Leonardo Da Vinci’s 1505 manuscript envisioning a machine that would enable man to fly. For those more interested in science and technology, Astronaut Roberto Vittori will be on hand to talk about his extraterrestrial travels.
Photographer Anna Paola Pizzocaro will guide visitors through her exhibit “Unanswered Prayers”. Also on display will be vintage Italian travel posters spanning 60 years, in an exhibition organised by the Italian Tourist Board (ENIT) and entitled “A Vintage Tour of Italy”.
Children will be able to enjoy events organized just for them. The Italian Fairy will teach youngsters Italian songs, while workshops and games will entertain while teaching new Italian language skills. The programme also includes classic rock music from the Blue Eyed Souls Band.
The environment will feature too, with a Connect4Climate space dedicated to global warming. And on defence matters the Defence Attaché’s office will again, as in 2013, be operating a special desk with information on the Italian Armed Forces and their global commitments.
A virtual journey around the “ Made in Italy’’ brand
Visitors will have the chance to learn more about products and activities from Italian sponsor companies such as Argol Villanova, Calligaris, Costa Crociere, D’Appolonia, Dolci Gelati, Ducati, Enel, Eni, Ferrero, Fiat Chrysler, Finmeccanica, Lavazza, Lamborghini, Pelliconi, Peroni, Pirelli, Trevi Group and Ville d’Italia.
