Inside the Pentagon's famous five-sided facade there is a courtyard. It too, is five-sided, and nested within that five-sided courtyard of the five-sided building lies another five-sided building, a Matryoshka doll of buildings.
This building is why I'm here.
Read about the history of The Pentagon, what's inside the tiny building, and why it became a significant interest to Russian diplomats during the Cold War in The Pentagon's Matryoshka on Diplomatica.
The former Embassy of Pakistan. Photo by Diplomatica Global Media.
After a series of false starts, widespread rumors and media speculation, the Embassy of Pakistan sold its former embassy on R Street for $7.1 million. Read about the history of the building, the residence, the current embassy and its historic mansion on Embassy Row, built by George Totten and once home to one of D.C.'s most entertaining socialites, in Pakistan Sells A Piece of Its History on Diplomatica.
Remember John Wojnowski, who has kept vigil outside the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See, waiting for justice for more than a quarter century? We caught up with him during last week's heat wave.
He's still there. He's in his 80s, his memory is fading, but he's just as determined as ever. Read his story: The Man Outside the Vatican Embassy on Diplomatica.
Looking for something to do this weekend, next week, or this month? It's the dog days of summer but while there aren't as many formal events happening as there will be in September, there are still plenty of diplomatic properties opening their doors for great exhibitions.
~The Embassy of Italy's exhibition dedicated to the Italian sites most recently added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, has a few remaining dates in August. Free but reservations required via Eventbrite.
~ The gallery at the Embassy of Canada is featuring a showcase of artist Gordon Shadrach's depictions of Black history in North America. Free and open during regular business hours. No reservations required.
~ The House of Sweden has two exhibits, one of photographer Lars Tunbjörk and another on accelerating the green transition. Free and open on weekends from 12-5.
~ Throughout the month of August, the Mexican Cultural Institute is hosting a celebration of 100 years since photographer Tina Modotti arrived in Mexico. It's a gorgeous exhibition, lovingly curated, and worth a visit to Sixteen Street. Free and open Monday–Friday 10am–6pm and Saturday 12pm–4pm.
~ At the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, also on Sixteen Street and MCI's neighbor, an unusual collaboration between scientists and artists has yielded a surprising art installation. The sale of the art then raises funds for cancer research. Free but email ahead to request access.
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.
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May the road rise up to meet you on your journey.
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