EU Open House 2025

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Embassy of Austria in Washington, DC welcomed hundreds of visitors as part of the annual EU Open House, celebrating Europe Day alongside fellow European Union Member States.

This year’s Austrian program highlighted two major anniversaries in Austrian culture: the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, the “Waltz King,” and the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music, the beloved film that has connected American audiences with Austrian heritage for generations. Guests were invited to learn how to dance the Viennese waltz, honoring Strauss’s enduring musical legacy in a fun and interactive way.

Throughout the day, visitors explored Austria’s nine provinces (Bundesländer) through immersive cultural and tourism displays. Each region’s unique character was represented—from mountain vistas and historic towns to culinary traditions and modern design. Gmundner Keramik, Austria’s iconic hand-painted pottery from Upper Austria, was also featured, showcasing the country’s distinctive artisan craftsmanship.

Guests enjoyed free Julius Meinl coffee, Manner wafers, and Red Bull, Austria’s world-renowned energy drink. Children tested out WOOM bikes, combining fun with Austrian design and engineering.

Inside the Embassy, curated Austrian wine tastings hosted by KWSelection drew enthusiastic participation. Guests browsed free art posters from leading Austrian museums and took part in a short Austria quiz, earning small prizes for correct answers.

Other than that, Little Austria served freshly made apple strudel, adding an authentic culinary touch to the day’s festivities.

We thank all our guests, volunteers, and partners for making EU Open House 2025 a joyful celebration of Austria’s culture, innovation, and transatlantic friendship.

With the generous support of: