Change is one of the constants of Washington, particularly when it comes to the diplomatic corps. Ambassadors and their staffs come and go, rotating in and out in a parade of fanfare, cycling through Gilded Age mansions or built-for-purpose chanceries. Some leave for their next post with a fond farewell, others are more determined to leave a mark on their country's missions here. But while the faces and names may change, more often than not, the embassies themselves stay mostly the same.
This is partly because building renovations can often take years, and be quite a hassle, particularly when a remodel forces staff into temporary office space, or prevents entertaining or hosting heads of state or other delegations. Navigating daily diplomatic responsibilities, let alone negotiating with contractors, leasing agents, uprooted staff, and more, is often a task left for the next ambassador. And often, the one after that.
The past few years have challenged that notion, however, as embassies that were forced to shutter their doors to the public took the opportunity to reevaluate their spaces. Some moved locations altogether, others tore down existing buildings to build new from the ground up, and others overhauled their spaces entirely. Whether adding more office space, creating more expansive entertaining areas, or just making much needed repairs and upgrades, embassies and residences in Washington have seen a flurry of activity.See which countries are moving, improving, and/or renovating, in The Only Constant is Change, Even for Embassies, on Diplomatica Global.
Looking for something to do this weekend, next week, or this month? Here are some of the events embassies and other diplomatic properties are opening their doors for.
~It's the last few days of the Ibero-American Cultural Attachés Association's extraordinary XV Ibero-American Film Showcase. There's still time to catch modern cinema at participating embassies, or to track down some of these excellent films to screen at home.
~The Embassy of the Philippines is hosting an after-hours event at the National Musuem of Asian Art on Friday, July 14 and it is going to be a scene - dj in the plaza, Filipino food from local vendors, galleries open late, and more.
~The Embassy of France doesn't want you to be afraid of science. Join them for Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Quantum but Were Afraid to Ask on Tuesday, July 18.
~The Embassy of Italy is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the Italian sites most recently added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, open to the public on multiple dates throughout July.
If you're moving or changing positions, we'd love to stay in touch! As part of your leave-taking checklist, please keep Diplomatica in mind.
~ Please subscribe with your new email address (or a personal one) to ensure you'll still receive updates.
~ Introduce us to your newly-arriving colleagues so we can stay connected to your current embassy, and bring us with you to share at your next one.
Why should we feature your new home/city/diplomatic property in Diplomatica?
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~Share a favorite memory on social media and tag us.
May the road rise up to meet you on your journey.
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