This year, the Czech Embassy once again offered a new, diverse and full packed program in order to entertain and enlighten its hundreds of visitors, offering something for everyone and all ages.

In light of the Embassy’s upcoming fall Mutual Inspirations Festival 2017 – Gregor Mendel, the open house program focused on introducing the father of modern-day genetics, Gregor Mendel, and the region of Moravia in the Czech Republic , where he lived and conducted his groundbreaking research on peas. Visitors were able to explore ten stops around the Embassy and its grounds, learning about the life and work of the renowned scientist while soaking in the marvels of Moravia through a beautiful photo exhibition and information by CzechTourism.

As Moravia is a picturesque wine region, visitors enjoyed plentiful wine tastings, provided by Vinarstvi Zapletal and Czech Wine Imports. Further, future brides gushed over a couture bridal show of formal and wedding dresses by the local Green and Blue Studio while picturing their perfect day in Moravia . The festive mood was further set by the lively Polka Brothers band and a group of over 20 adorable children of the Czech and Slovak Cultural Center of New York in intricate national costumes singing traditional songs of the region.

To inspire further scientific research, young minds were able to delve into plant biology workshops with the help of 3D imaging software by the Czech company Lifeliqe. Moreover, representatives of Mendel University of Brno and Palacky University of Olomouc as well as Czech nanotechnology companies offered fascinating presentations on academic programs and nanofiber technology.

The Embassy Chef prepared a delicious menu inspired by Gregor Mendel’s work with peas and honeybees. The curious and the hungry also got a taste of Czech cuisine from local businesses including Republic Kolache, Bistro Bohem, La Bohemia Bakery, and Slovak-Czech Varieties.

The military section of the Czech Embassy provided information to the public about Czech-US collaboration internationally. The non-profit organization American Friends of the Czech Republic was on hand as well to speak about its support of Czech-US relations. In the Embassy’s gardens, the Rockville City Police K-9 Unit demonstrated their Czech canines in a true show of Czech-US crime fighting partnership on a local level.

Lastly, the guests continued up the hill from the Czech Embassy to the Ambassador’s residence, an architectural gem, to speak with and hear about the travels of the new Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States Hynek Kmonicek and his lovely wife.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic thanks all its partners and welcomes all to visit us again next year for a completely different program celebrating the 100 years of the establishment of our country in 2018!

For more information about the EU Open House and the Embassies of the European Union in Washington , DC , please visit: www.euopenhouse.org.