European Capital of Culture says hello to D.C.

09/05/2016 11:37

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking boats, world-class exhibitions and mouth-watering Nordic cuisine will be just some of the attractions available when Denmark's second city of Aarhus takes over the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture next year, under the royal patronage of Queen Margrethe II. Washingtonians have an exclusive opportunity to discover more about Denmark and its coolest city when the Danish Embassy opens its doors this weekend.

Visitors will be able to taste delicious Danish specialities and talk to Embassy staff about Aarhus, while touring the Ambassador's residence (3200 Whitehaven St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008).

"We hope that many visitors from the United States will come to Denmark next year to help us celebrate the European Capital of Culture," said Rebecca Matthews, CEO of Aarhus 2017. "We can promise them spectacular events, unique experiences and magical moments throughout the year. We've put together a top-quality program that caters for every taste – and great flight connections from the U.S. provide easy access to our city," added Matthews.

Aarhus is one of the oldest cities in Scandinavia, founded by the Vikings more than 1,200 years ago. The Moesgaard Museum, one of its architectural gems, provides visitors with a wonderful insight into history.

A cultural metropolis, Aarhus is renowned for its festivals, museums and creative buzz. The ARoS art museum is one of the largest and finest art museums in Scandinavia. The building's roof is an artwork in itself, designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. "Your Rainbow Panorama" consists of a circular walkway offering stunning views over the city and its harbor.

The award-winning Old Town of Aarhus is within a stone's throw and takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of the welfare society. The nearby Botanical Garden is an oasis of calm, boasting a rich diversity of tropical plants from around the world.

Aarhus is home to Denmark's youngest population, with the highest concentration of students in the country. This is reflected in the special atmosphere, vibrancy and energy that is felt everywhere in the city and especially in its many cafes.

With three Michelin-starred restaurants, Aarhus also has a world-class gastronomic reputation. Visitors can savor freshly caught fish and lobster from Aarhus Bay, potatoes from Samsø, as well as sorrel, wild garlic and other fresh ingredients from local producers in the Central Denmark region.

The open day at the Danish Embassy is part of the fourth annual European Month of Culture in the U.S., which takes place throughout the month of May at various venues in the capital, including the National Gallery of Art, the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, The Library of Congress, The Phillips Collection, Catholic University of America, NYU Washington, European Embassies and cultural institutes.

Facts:
The European Capital of Culture is an international, cultural project that ranks among Europe's most ambitious. The project intends to show the richness and diversity of European and international culture and to contribute to a greater mutual understanding between the citizens of Europe.

Patronage: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is the Royal Patron of the Capital of Culture.

Official opening: Aarhus, Denmark, Saturday 21 January 2017

Website: www.aarhus2017.dk/en/

Connections: SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) offers connections to Aarhus from Washington and more than 100 cities in the US: www.flysas.com/en/us/

Pictures
Rebecca Matthews (Photo: Michael Grøn, Billedmageren)
Viking scene at Moesgaard Museum (Photo: Montgomery Studio)
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