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Passport DC Open House |
Saturday, May 2, 2009
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Citywide
A world capital as well as a national capital, Washington, DC boasts more than 175 foreign embassies, residences, chanceries, and diplomatic missions. With Passport DC you can explore many of these exciting institutions in just one day.
Wander the halls and let your imagination leap across the globe as you visit more than 30 embassies on Saturday, May 2. While you’re there, take note of events offered throughout the year so you can revisit your favorite countries!
Cultural Tourism DC will provide free shuttles on May 2 from 10 am - 4 pm. Three shuttles will leave from 1900 Massachusetts Avenue, NW (Dupont Circle) and will loop Massachusetts Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, and lower New Hampshire Avenue.
= Kid-friendly events!Hospitality Lounges
MHz Networks and Cultural Tourism DC have joined together to promote the mission of global understanding and world perspective during Passport DC 2009.
MHz Networks will have two tented lounge areas along the visitor route on Saturday, May 2 where participants can stop to take a rest, cool down, learn more about MHz Networks programming in DC, and pick up some freebie items and special offers from MHz Networks.
Open House map - Dupont
(PDF)
Open House map - Van Ness
(PDF)
Open House programs:
Embassy of Australia
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
Location: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.usa.embassy.gov.au
Under the stars of the Southern Sky, learn about travel and work opportunities in Australia while enjoying Australian eats and the sounds of the didgeridoo.
Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: 202-319-2660
Visit this paradise of sun, sea, and sand and one of the leading tourist destinations in the Atlantic Ocean. Ambassador C.A. Smith and members of the Bahamian community in Washington invite you to find out why it’s better in the Bahamas!
Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain - This program has been cancelled.
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3502 International Drive, NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.bahrainembassy.org
Join Her Excellency, Ambassador Houda Nonoo to sample Bahrainian food, discover the history and culture of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and learn about travel opportunities to this diverse country.
Embassy of Bangladesh 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3510 International Drive, NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.bangladoot.org
Discover this modern-looking nation, a delta in South Asia with a strong history of national pride. Its cultural heritage and vibrant people will be on display through dance, film, music, literature, and cuisine.
Program
- 10 am - Doors open
- 12 noon - Music and dance performance
- 2:30 pm - Music and dance performance
- 4 pm - Event ends
- Video presentation on Bangladesh
- Mehedi (henna) corner
- Paintings and contemporary arts by various artists from Bangladesh
- Wall posters and display boards demonstrating Bangladesh’s culture and heritage, tourist places, fairs and festivals, women and creativity, politics and people, national symbols, Bangladesh in international peace efforts
- Display of exportable items, including garment products, jewelry, handicrafts, leather goods, ceramics, etc.
- Traditional Bangladeshi cuisine
Embassy of Benin 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2124 Kalorama Road, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.beninembassy.us
The Embassy of Benin presents its culture through film, photos, traditional music, and folk dancing. Enjoy delicious local food and learn to prepare it!
At 1 pm, His Excellency Serbe Cyrille Oguin, Ambassador of Benin, will speak on the culture, history, and business opportunities in Benin.
Embassy of Botswana
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 1531-33 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.botswanaembassy.org
In northern Botswana, women are noted for their skill at crafting baskets from Mokola palm and local dyes. The embassy presents a display of these baskets, along with art and jewelry, and an opportunity to hear listen to the sounds of traditional African music.
Embassy of Colombia 
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Ambassador’s Residence, 1520 20th Street, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.colombiaemb.org
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Ambassador’s residence, including a showcase of contemporary Colombian art and fresh Colombian flowers that are shipped weekly to the Embassy. Learn about culture and cuisine and discover the natural beauty of this country.
Embassies of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Honduras

Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Art Museum of the Americas, 201 18th Street, NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange lines)
Admission: Free
The countries of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Honduras gather at the Art Museum of the Americas to present regional coffee tasting, tourism information, music, dance, food vendors, and fun activities for children.
Embassy of Ethiopia
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3506 International Drive, NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.ethiopianembassy.org
The Embassy of Ethiopia together with the Ethiopian community will showcase the country’s cuisine, music, art, history and culture. Taste Ethiopia’s gift to the world: coffee. Hear and watch cultural music and try some of Ethiopia’s many traditional dances.
For lovers of Ethiopian cuisine, travel internationally while dining locally. Come and sample Ethiopian cuisine and order from vendors on site. Watch the cooking demonstration from one of the best Ethiopian traditional cooks. On your way out, please stop by the vendors to purchase souvenirs as a remembrance of this experience.
Participating vendors will present authentic cuisine, Ethiopian beverages, Ethiopian honey wine, spices, coffee beans, traditional bread, kolo, traditional clothing, souvenirs, artifacts, and music CDs/DVDs.
Program:
- 10 - 11 am - Slide presentation and lecture on Ethiopia
Learn about this mysterious country of its past and present, ask questions, and share your experience.
- 12 noon - 2 pm - Lunch to be followed by Ethiopia's famous traditional coffee ceremony
Location: Inside Embassy Hall (Gojo) Ethiopian traditional hut
Coffee and traditional snacks (gratis), story telling about coffee
- 2 - 3 pm - Cooking demonstration inside Embassy Hall
Ongoing traditional music on screen displays, food and Ethiopian coffee on sale
- 3 - 5 pm - Embassy Hall
Try traditional dances, food, art show and sale

Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3512 International Drive, NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.ghanaembassy.org
Welcome to Ghana, the land of gold and friendly people. Taste the exotic cuisine of the most peaceful and affable people in Africa while soaking in drumming and “soulful” music by Ace Percussionist Okyerema Asante of Graceland concert fame; learn about indigenous communication through Folklore with Professor Ansah of Howard University; and discover our heritage with your children as they learn how to stamp fabrics with Adinkra patterns and interpret symbols that speak volumes. Akwaaba!
Embassy of Haiti
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2311 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.haiti.org
Indulge your senses at the Embassy of Haiti by viewing an exquisite art exhibit infused by Haiti’s rich history and culture. Discussions with some of the artists will take place at 11am and 2pm.
You will also enjoy live Haitian music while sampling Haitian food and Haiti’s famous Barbancourt rhum punch.
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
Take a guided tour of this historic building, a private residence built at the turn of the 20th century once known as the Walsh Mansion. Also, view cultural artifacts from Indonesia and a short film.
Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3421 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: 202-742-1600 or www.iraqiembassy.us
Journey to the Middle East and experience Iraq through traditional film, music, and dance and taste the exotic blend of spices and flavor in Iraqi cuisine.
Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 1155 21st Street, NW
Metro: Farragut West (Blue and Orange lines), Farragut North (Red line), or Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm
The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan invites you to view its current exhibition of netsuke carvings, try your hand at origami, or learn how to write your name in Japanese.
Learn about traditional Japanese culture through lectures and films. See demonstrations of kendo, Japan’s “Way of the Sword.” Admire the beauty of every movement as you witness an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.
Please visit the JICC’s homepage for more information and a schedule of the day’s events.
KORUS House, Embassy of the Republic of Korea
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2370 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.Dynamic-Korea.com
Learn traditional Korean martial arts as performers demonstrate Taekwondo. Taste Korean snacks and candy while viewing a Totem Pole-making demonstration, an arts and crafts exhibition, and short films on Korea.
A demonstration on traditional mask making will be followed by a mask dance performance. Take advantage of a photo opportunity in front of the longevity screen, which is said to promote a long and prosperous life.
Embassy of Kyrgyz Republic
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2360 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: 202-449-9822
The Embassy of Kyrgyz Republic will present the ancient history of the Kyrgyz nation, located in the heart of Central Asia. Enjoy arts and handicrafts, traditional music, and discussusions on tourism to this country.
Embassy of the Republic of Liberia 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 5201 16th Street, NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.liberianembassyus.org
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia for food, music, and arts and crafts as well as tourism and investment opportunities in this country, noted for its hospitality, academic institutions, culture, and arts.
Embassy of Malaysia
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3516 International Court, NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/washington
The Embassy of Malaysia presents a colorful exhibition of arts, culture, and tourism attractions. Explore the music and cuisine of this multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multilingual nation.
Embassy of Nepal 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2730 34th Place, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.nepalembassyusa.org
Nepal’s culture comes alive with energetic and colorful ethnic dances, songs, and music by internationally renowned performers in traditional costume. Nepalese snacks will be served.
Program:
- 2 - 2:45 pm - Nepal information expo
- 2:45 - 3 pm - Welcome by Linda Harper, Cultural Tourism DC executive director. Remarks will follow by the President of the America Nepal Society, the Ambassador of Nepal, and a State Department representative.
- 3 - 4 pm - Dance and music performances
- 4 - 5 pm - Refreshments
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3519 International Court, NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.NigeriaEmbassyUSA.org
Experience performances by three different cultural groups representing the three largest ethnic groups of Nigeria - Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Also enjoy Nigerian food and beverage.
Embassy of Pakistan 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3517 International Court, NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.embassyofpakistanusa.org
A trip to this South Asian country reveals a rich culture of centuries-old traditions. Celebrate and learn about the culture of Pakistan through art, music, food, and entertainment. Shop a traditional Pakistani marketplace and bring home souvenirs!
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange lines)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.saudiembassy.net
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia presents opportunities to learn about the history, development, and culture of Saudi Arabia. Embassy staff and Saudi students will be on hand to answer questions and to guide visitors through displays, exhibitions, and live performances.
Embassy of Sri Lanka 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2148 Wyoming Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.slembassyusa.org
Visit the Embassy of Sri Lanka invites you to discover the diverse features of this island nation. Enjoy a cup of world renowned Ceylon Tea and take part in a rhythmic feast of traditional and modern Sri Lankan music. Tourist information with tour packages will also be available.
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2134 Kalorama Road, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.SerbiaEmbUSA.org
Become acquainted with Serbia through video presentations of culture and tourism. View the opening of an exhibition by Ana Petrovic Siljkovic, a Serbian artist whose works include paintings, tapestry and painted decorated furniture.
Then, enjoy a taste of Serbian food - a delicious mix of central European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine - and learn traditional Serbian folk dancing!
Royal Thai Embassy
Time: 10 am - 8 pm
Location: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange lines)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.thaiembdc.org
Enjoy the beauty and tradition of Thailand with an exciting day of activities!
Start by sampling authentic Thai cuisine, desserts, and drinks prepared in a traditional style. Take in Thai culture through arts and crafts, historical photos, paintings, and live performances of exquisite Thai dance and music.
Next, relax with a sample of Thai massage and then learn how to plan a vacation to the “land of smiles” with tips from embassy staff.
Program:
- 10 am - Doors open
- 10:30 am - Thai film: Khan Kluay / Thai music
- 12 noon - Opening remarks by Mr. Damrong Kraikruan, Charge d’ Affaires
- 12:30 pm - Thai dance: Kinnaree Ron Ouk Manora
- 1 pm - Thai film: Monrak Transistor / Thai music
- 3 pm - Thai dance: Fon Rak
- 3:30 pm - Thai film: Beautiful Boxer / Thai music
- 4 pm - Thai food demonstration: Papaya salad by Chef Aulie from Bangkok Joe's and T.H.A.I. in Shirlington
- 5 pm - Thai dance: Serng Pong-Lang
- 5:30 pm - Thai music
- 6 pm - Thai film: Ong Bak
- 7 pm - Thai music
- 8 pm - End of program
For updated show times for the dances, music and movies, visit www.thaiembdc.org. Activities are subject to change.
Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.ttembassy.com
Enjoy live performances of steelpan – the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century – while sampling the food and rums of this country. Also view Calypso Dreams, a feature film on the history of Calypso.
Embassy of Ukraine 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 3350 M Street, NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange lines)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.mfa.gov.ua/usa/en
Immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture through dance, visual arts, film, music, and more. Learn about the Ukrainian national flavor of diversity, tolerance, and fun.
All day:
- “Travel to Ukraine” Road Show
- Exhibitions: The Journey to Myself, Traditional Ukrainian Regional Costumes, and Ukrainian Traditions and Customs, presented by the Power of Spirit Society Corporation
- Exhibition presented by Myroslava Semerey (traditional Ukrainian embroidery, famous Ukrainian Petrykivka paintings)
- Lectures about history and modernity of Ukraine
- Narration about history of the Forrest-Marbury House, where the Embassy of Ukraine is located
- Video trailers about Ukraine and Kyiv
- 10:45 - 11:30 am - Traditional Ukrainian dance and vocal performances by Fantaziya Dance Group and Ukrainian National Choir of the Washington, DC Area
- 11:30 am onward - Ukrainian beer tasting
- 11:30 am - 1:30 pm - Pysanka (Easter eggs) manual workshop presented by Halyna Mudryj, Ukrainian traditional pysanka artist
- 1:30 - 3:30 pm: Pysanka video workshop presented by Jurij Dobczansky, Ukrainian traditional pysanka artist
- 2 - 3 pm: Presentation of traditional Ukrainian food:
- Uzvar (dried fruit soup)
- Makivnyk (poppy seed pie)
- Varenyky (pyrogy or dumplings) stuffed with potatoes and cabbage
Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 1746 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.uzbekistan.org
The Embassy of Uzbekistan features a sampling of Uzbek beverages and dried fruit, a gallery of ethnographic art, and a short documentary on the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.
Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2443 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.embavenez-us.org
Take a tour of the Ambassador’s residence and art collection where some of Venezuela’s most important painters are represented, and enjoy live music and traditional beverages.
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red line)
Admission: Free
For more info: www.ZambiaEmbassy.org
Zambia’s contemporary culture is a blend of the values and spiritual traditions of more than 70 ethnically diverse groups of people. Learn about the culture by viewing a handicrafts exhibition and a film on cultural dances.
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