This Saturday, European Union member states invites the public “to take a shortcut to Europe.” From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the embassies of all EU member states will be open to the general public. Each embassy is planning a program “featuring the country’s cuisine, its music and special events.”

From the UK’s press release:

Take a Tour of the United Kingdom:
For the first time ever, the British Embassy invites everyone to take a tour past the grand history, old castles, Big Ben, Parliament, fish and chips, haggis, the Giant’s Causeway, and Stonehenge to a UK that is now a more modern, innovative and multicultural society.

Starting at 10:00 a.m. on May 3, you can tour the United Kingdom with stops in Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about Being a Brit Different, take a taste of Scotland, businesses of the United Kingdom, and hear about life in DC from high-profile of British expatriates living in the United States.

Event Details and time of speakers:
10:00-11:00: British Ambassador to the United States Sir Nigel Sheinwald
11:30: Journalist and Author Christopher Hitchens
12:30: BBC Washington Correspondent Matt Frei
1:30: Senior Director, Business Policy Council and former Journalist Martin Walker
2:30: Newsweek Senior White House Corespondent Richard Wolffe

Location: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Transportation: Free shuttle departing from Dupont Metro Station
Parking: Parking is limited so please take the free shuttle if you can
Accessibility: All guests are welcome, but not all areas of the Embassy grounds are accessible

Those of you who live around DC may find this an interesting opportunity to see the inside of the embassies of those countries who are less than generous with public access to their embassies (and I’m looking at you, Britain – go take a lesson from Spain or Sweden).