La Scala in Washington: The Opera Wardrobe of Maria Callas
Maria Callas was not just an opera star; she was a theatrical force who changed what audiences expected from an opera singer. Possessing a voice of remarkable range, color, and dramatic intensity, Callas revived forgotten bel canto operas and reshaped familiar roles like Norma, Tosca, and Lucia di Lammermoor. What set her apart was not…
Custodians of Culture Gather at Villa Firenze
Washington, D.C., January 21, 2026 — At the Italian ambassador’s residence, the historic Villa Firenze, diplomats, law-enforcement officials, and cultural heritage leaders gathered for “Custodians of Culture,” marking 25 years of the U.S.–Italy Cultural Property Agreement with a repatriation ceremony and policy dialogue. Framed by the setting’s old-world grandeur, the evening underscored how a technical…
Reflections of A U.S. Embassy Summer Intern in Kigali, Rwanda
This is part one of a CPD Blog series by USC Master of Public Diplomacy alum Janika Berridge, recounting her ten-week assignment as a management intern in the U.S. Embassy in Kigali. In Part Two, Janika presented a selection of stunning 35mm film photographs capturing daily life in and around Kigali. Reprinted here with permission from the author and…
Mulling the Holiday Spirits
The lore, songs, and poetry of the holiday seasons in many parts of the world are full of metaphors and allegories of warmth, happiness, brightness, family, community, and home. Manifest those feelings into a beverage for the bright lights of holiday celebrations and the cold weather in which they are often held, and you get…
Honoring History, Celebrating Friendship
On November 19, 2025, Her Excellency Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar and Defense Attaché Air Commodore Erwin van Beijouw, in partnership with Stars and Stripes, opened the doors of the Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C., for an evening devoted to remembrance, historical reflection, and the celebration of an enduring transatlantic bond.
The Hills Are (Still) Alive
On October 2, Salzburg Global and the Austrian Embassy hosted a screening and panel discussion commemorating the 60th anniversary of the film, The Sound of Music.
Edo-Era Miniatures Bring 19th-Century Japan to Life at JICC Exhibit
The Japan Information & Culture Center, JICC, hosted an exhibit from June 30th to July 31th that showcased traditional Japanese miniatures.
Canadian Embassy Exhibit Honors Fight for 2SLGBTQI+ Rights
Peerawut Ruangsawasdi reviews Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge, a pop-up exhibition at the Embassy of Canada by the LGBT Purge Fund and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Olivier Sarbil’s Viktor Highlights Life during Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Olivier Sarbil’s documentary Viktor offers a glimpse into the life of a young deaf man during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Australian Embassy Hosts Masterclass in Indigenous Art
Performer and educator Cameron McCarthy hosted a masterclass in Indigenous art at the Embassy of Australia.
A Very Swedish Midsummer on the National Mall
The Embassy of Sweden hosted its first-ever Midsummer celebration at the Sylvan Theater on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Historian Highlights Oman’s Central Place in the Story of the Gulf
In a lecture at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, Dr. Allen Fromherz argued that the Persian Gulf has played a crucial role in trade and cultural development.
Frida Kahlo’s Culinary Legacy Celebrated at Mexican Cultural Institute
A recent exhibition at the Mexican Cultural Institute celebrated the culinary legacy of artist Frida Kahlo.
Poland-Backed Lift Lady Makes North American Premiere at DC/DOX
Polish filmmaker Marcin Modzelewski’s Lift Lady had its North American premiere at the DC/DOX Film Festival.
Announcing the 2025 Summer Internship Cohort at Diplomatica Global Media
Meet Diplomatica Global Media’s summer 2025 interns.
Alaska and the Yukon Engage in Local Diplomacy
Amid growing tensions between the US and Canada, one small Alaskan town is attempting to reconnect with its neighbors across the border.
Congressional Austria Caucus Bolsters Bilateral Ties
In a move to reinforce diplomatic and economic relations between the United States and Austria, Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) announced the formation of the bipartisan Congressional Austria Caucus.
EU Open House 2025 in Pictures
As part of our May Month of Culture coverage, Diplomatica photographer Stephen Staudigl attended the EU Open House on May 10.
Dutch Tulip Days Commemorate End of WWII
This year’s tulip festival celebrated the friendship between the US and the Netherlands at the end of World War II, the flowers in Anne Frank’s short life, the American Military Cemetery in the Netherlands, and our very own Rosie the Riveter.
Congress Celebrates Second Annual Mongolian Lunar New Year
The second annual Congressional Mongolian Lunar New Year event took place on March 7th, 2025, to celebrate Mongolia’s rich cultural traditions and strengthen US-Mongolia relations.
Tango Performers Enchant at Senate’s Embassy Night
Luis Angel, an internationally recognized Argentine tango expert, performer, historian, and instructor, recently brought the elegance and intensity of traditional tango to the U.S. Senate.
Four Exhibits to Visit in March
Four new exhibits are opening at embassies and cultural centers this March, free and open to the public.
The Unique Bond Between Canadian and American Leaders
At the Embassy of Canada to the U.S.’s gallery, a new exhibit reminds of the longstanding close ties between US presidents and Canadian prime ministers at a time of mounting tensions.
Celebrating Presidential Properties in Washington
In honor of Inauguration Day, we’re revisiting some of our favorite former presidents homes that have gone on to serve as embassies, ambassadors’ residences, and more.
Happy Holidays from Around the World 2024
In our annual holiday feature, we explore traditions from around the world that our readers can re-create at home.
Finland to Open New Consulate General in Houston in 2025
The office will be the country’s third mission in the U.S.
How Embassies and Ambassadors’ Residences Welcome Spring (And You Can Too!)
From celebrating the annual Dutch Tulip Days, to fostering biodiversity, here’s how to make the most of spring.
Exploring Ibero-American Properties in Washington
In honor of Carnaval, explore some of the most beautiful properties showcasing Ibero-American relations in Washington.
Happy Holidays from Around the World 2023
For the second year, we asked embassies throughout D.C. to share their favorite holiday traditions from their countries.
The Philippines Embassy Celebrates FAHM with Art, Food, and Service
During Filipino American History Month, vistors can explore several new art exhibits in a recently renovated building.
The Brits’ Sidewalk Coronation Celebration
The UK Embassy participated in Passport DC for the first time since exiting the EU with a sidewalk celebration for the coronation of King Charles.