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A Map Of D.C.'s Eight Most Architecturally Exciting Embassies

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When discussing the interesting architecture of our nation's capital, it's hard not to look at the buildings owned by foreign governments. Embassy Row has a wealth of gorgeous buildings that are often bright, regal and unique. However, some Embassies are more likely to strike awe into hearts than others, so in order to make sure that you're catching glimpses the best ones on your next architectural walking tour, here are our top eight picks for most architecturally exciting embassies. Do you think that we've left off a clearly superior Embassy headquarters? Do you think that we included a building that deserves more in-depth coverage? The tipline is always open to suggestions and comments.


· List of Diplomatic Missions in Washington, D.C. [Wikipedia]

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Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil

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This super modern glass building structure was actually one of the first on Embassy Row and it remains one of the most striking. Brazilian architect Olavo Redig de Campos designed it and it even made a brief appearance in the movie D.C. Cab. Photo by Flickr user NCinDC

Embassy of Estonia

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This neoclassical Embassy Row house is so pretty, it's been an embassy twice! Prior to Estonia's purchase of the building in 1994, it had been the Embassy of Peru. Photo by Flickr user Meghan.

Embassy Of Guyana

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Guyana is a country on the northern coast of South America but the facade of this Kalorama home is more reminiscent of a Swiss ski lodge. Photo used under Creative Commons.

Embassy of Cameroon

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This is almost unfair to use, because the Embassy of Cameroon has temporarily relocated to 1700 Wisconsin Avenue. However, the Christian Hauge House, originally built for a Norwegian diplomat, is one of the most regal buildings in already-impressive Georgetown. Photo by Florence Craye.

Embassy of Kazakhstan

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For a home that was built in 1888, this brick Richardsonian style embassy looks incredibly modern (minus the telltale corner tower). Before being an embassy, it actually housed a Vice President. Also, the doorway is rather intense. Photo by Adam Fagen.

Embassy of Mozambique

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Say what you will about painted brick, but sometimes it's striking for all the right reasons. Such is the case with this yellow and brown rowhouse in Dupont. Photo by Flickr user NCinDC.

Embassy of Namibia

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African Embassies are ruling on this list! This delightful bright red home also has a beautifully detailed facade right above the front door. Photo by Flickr user NCinDC.

Embassy of Senegal/Embassy of Moldova/Embassy of Albania

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It's not as stunning as the ivy-covered building in Kalorama that housed the Senegal headquarters previously, but this gorgeous rounded townhouse building that houses the Embassies of Moldova, Senegal AND Albania also has interesting frieze details near the roof. Photo by Ron Cogswell

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Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil

This super modern glass building structure was actually one of the first on Embassy Row and it remains one of the most striking. Brazilian architect Olavo Redig de Campos designed it and it even made a brief appearance in the movie D.C. Cab. Photo by Flickr user NCinDC

Embassy of Estonia

This neoclassical Embassy Row house is so pretty, it's been an embassy twice! Prior to Estonia's purchase of the building in 1994, it had been the Embassy of Peru. Photo by Flickr user Meghan.

Embassy Of Guyana

Guyana is a country on the northern coast of South America but the facade of this Kalorama home is more reminiscent of a Swiss ski lodge. Photo used under Creative Commons.

Embassy of Cameroon

This is almost unfair to use, because the Embassy of Cameroon has temporarily relocated to 1700 Wisconsin Avenue. However, the Christian Hauge House, originally built for a Norwegian diplomat, is one of the most regal buildings in already-impressive Georgetown. Photo by Florence Craye.

Embassy of Kazakhstan

For a home that was built in 1888, this brick Richardsonian style embassy looks incredibly modern (minus the telltale corner tower). Before being an embassy, it actually housed a Vice President. Also, the doorway is rather intense. Photo by Adam Fagen.

Embassy of Mozambique

Say what you will about painted brick, but sometimes it's striking for all the right reasons. Such is the case with this yellow and brown rowhouse in Dupont. Photo by Flickr user NCinDC.

Embassy of Namibia

African Embassies are ruling on this list! This delightful bright red home also has a beautifully detailed facade right above the front door. Photo by Flickr user NCinDC.

Embassy of Senegal/Embassy of Moldova/Embassy of Albania

It's not as stunning as the ivy-covered building in Kalorama that housed the Senegal headquarters previously, but this gorgeous rounded townhouse building that houses the Embassies of Moldova, Senegal AND Albania also has interesting frieze details near the roof. Photo by Ron Cogswell