The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C.

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The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C. Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C., Nonprofit Organization, 4833 Rugby Avenue, Ste 201, Bethesda, MD.

The ICS is a nonprofit promoting Italian culture and language in the DC area and nationally through embassy and Italian government collaboration, a world-class language and music school, and cultural and community events. Started in 1953 by Italian professors from Georgetown University and Italian-Americans in the DC area, ICS has the mission to enhance the appreciation and knowledge of the Italian language and culture in the US. It creates opportunities to explore the many facets of Italian culture and strengthen bonds between the Italian and American people through cultural events, scholarships awards, and mainly through the Italian Language Program, founded in 1974 thanks to contributions of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the purpose of including the Italian language in American Schools. Today the ILP is a leading private school with over 1600 enrollments per year, in courses, workshops and summer camps for children and courses for adults including Literature, Art, History, Archeology, Cooking, Travels, Latin and courses offered by the recently founded ICS Music School.

Today, we celebrate San Francesco d’Assisi, a man of peace, simplicity, humility, and love for all creation.His life rem...
10/04/2026

Today, we celebrate San Francesco d’Assisi, a man of peace, simplicity, humility, and love for all creation.

His life reminds us that true wealth comes from a heart that knows how to love, to share, and to care for others and for creation. 🌞🌙💦✨

As we commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis, we also remember his Canticle of the Creatures, one of the earliest and most beloved poems written in the Italian vernacular.

Through the sun, the moon, the water, the earth, and all living creatures, Francis invites us to see creation not as something to possess, but as a gift to cherish and praise.

E Buon onomastico a tutti i Francesco e Francesca!

Celebrating Italian Fashion’s Enduring American LegacyOn September 24, the Italian Cultural Society was honored to parti...
09/25/2026

Celebrating Italian Fashion’s Enduring American Legacy

On September 24, the Italian Cultural Society was honored to participate in a special evening at the Library of Congress celebrating the enduring influence of Italian fashion on American culture and global style.

Barbara Faedda, Executive Director of the Italian Academy for Advanced Studies at Columbia University, offered fascinating historical and cultural context on the evolution of Italian fashion—from Giovanni Battista Giorgini’s pioneering shows to its international influence.

Sara Gay Forden, ICS Board Member, journalist, and author of The House of Gucci, brought the story to life through insights from her extensive experience covering the fashion industry, including the global success of Gucci, Armani, and other iconic Italian brands.

The program was accompanied by the special curatorial display Italian Fashion at the Library of Congress: From Corriere delle Dame to the Runways of Milan and Fifth Avenue, on to Global Destinations, curated by Lucia Wolf.

The evening continued with a beautiful indoor and outdoor reception, where guests enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and the opportunity to connect in the unique setting of the Library of Congress.

A wonderful celebration of Italian craftsmanship, creativity, entrepreneurship, and its lasting connection with American culture. 🇮🇹🇺🇸

Our Kids’ Workshops / Parents’ Nights Out are back! Enjoy a night out while your children learn about Italian traditions...
09/25/2026

Our Kids’ Workshops / Parents’ Nights Out are back!

Enjoy a night out while your children learn about Italian traditions and practice Italian with Maestra Fiorenza. Each workshop features a different theme and celebration, with themed arts & crafts, story time, games, dancing, and songs.

Pack your child’s dinner, and we’ll provide a themed dessert!

‼️ For the sibling discount when registering a second or third child, please enter the following code at checkout: 20Siblings

You can register for your kids here 👉 https://italianculturalsociety.org/kids-teens/

We look forward to seeing them!

We are thrilled to let you know that The Italian Choir of Washington D.C. will resume on Monday, September 28th, from 7:...
09/22/2026

We are thrilled to let you know that The Italian Choir of Washington D.C. will resume on Monday, September 28th, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

This 25-week meetings will bring together Italians and Italian culture enthusiasts who share a passion for music.

Under the guidance of our Music Director, Maestro Diego Rodriguez, we will explore a repertoire ranging from beloved Italian popular songs to stirring opera arias, all while developing vocal skills and confidence in a welcoming group setting.

📆 Date: Monday, September 28th (for 25 weeks/ or just half year: there is the possibility to pay half course now)
⏰ Time: 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
đź“Ť Location: ICS Headquarters, 4833 Rugby Ave., Suite 201, Bethesda

Reserve your spot by visiting our Music School page today! 👉 https://italianculturalsociety.org/music-school/

🎶 Passaparola!

We can’t wait to sing with you!

The 13th edition of the Festival della Comunicazione has come to an end!More than 100 events, 150+ guests, 45,000 attend...
09/14/2026

The 13th edition of the Festival della Comunicazione has come to an end!

More than 100 events, 150+ guests, 45,000 attendees and over one million online views: numbers that tell the story of a festival that continues to grow as a vibrant laboratory of ideas, languages and cross-disciplinary dialogue.

This year’s theme, “Coraggio”, was an invitation to dare, challenge conventions and overcome fears, uncertainty and stereotypes — rediscovering the very best of our humanity.

From the Middle Ages with Alessandro Barbero to economics with Carlo Cottarelli, the Festival brought together diverse perspectives, voices and fields of knowledge, creating new opportunities for discussion and sharing.

Born from a shared idea with Umberto Eco, the Festival is directed by Rosangela Bonsignorio and Danco Singer and organised by Frame and the Municipality of Camogli, with the support of the Liguria Region and the Metropolitan City of Genoa, under the patronage of the European Commission.

🎥 Relive the Festival: watch the full event recordings in Italian, live and on demand, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com//streams

The ICS in Venice! 🎬🇮🇹This past week, the city reached the peak of its role as a global hub for arts and culture, drawin...
09/13/2026

The ICS in Venice! 🎬🇮🇹

This past week, the city reached the peak of its role as a global hub for arts and culture, drawing visitors from all over the world for the 83rd Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica.

Taking place at the Lido di Venezia, the Venice Film Festival celebrates the cinematic heritage that Italy has shared with the world for over a century.

We attended screenings at the Palazzo del Cinema, and listened to several creators who presented their latest works.

We are pleased to announce that we are are increasing the number of courses offered in Virginia, both for children & tee...
09/08/2026

We are pleased to announce that we are are increasing the number of courses offered in Virginia, both for children & teens and adults! 🇮🇹

VIENNA (Vienna Community Center)

Kids: Saturdays, September 19 – June 5, 2027 (late registrations welcome):
Pre-school Italian immersion, ages 2–3 and 4–6: 10:00–11:00 AM
Beginner/Elementary level for 1st – 3rd grade: 11:00 AM–12:15 PM
Beginner/Elementary level for 4th – 6th grade: 12:30–1:55 PM
Intermediate/Advanced level for 2nd–5th grade: 2:00–3:15 PM
Intermediate level for 6th–8th grade: 11:15 AM–12:15 PM

Adults: Saturdays, September 19–November 21 (late registrations welcome):
Beginners 1 (A1) — Saturday, 9:00–11:00 AM — Vienna

LEESBURG (Douglass Community Center)
Adults: Fridays, October 9–December 18
Beginners Review (A1) — Friday, 4:30–6:30 PM — Leesburg
*For students who have already completed Beg. 1 and 2.

Register now through our ILP webpage 👉 https://italianculturalsociety.org/ilp-virginia-chapter/

Celebrating Italian Fashion’s Enduring American Legacy: Giorgini, Gucci, Armani, and the Making of Global Style 👗Our sea...
09/04/2026

Celebrating Italian Fashion’s Enduring American Legacy: Giorgini, Gucci, Armani, and the Making of Global Style 👗

Our season will reopen with an event exploring Italian fashion and its enduring influence on American culture!

Our Board Member Sara Gay Forden, journalist and author of House of Gucci, will be in conversation with Prof. Barbara Faedda, Executive Director of the Italian Academy for Advanced Studies at Columbia University. Their discussion will consider the entrepreneurship, creative vision, and cultural dynamics that made Italian fashion a defining force in American life and a global phenomenon.

The conversation follows the exhibition, curated by Lucia Wolf of the Library of Congress, “Italian Fashion at the Library of Congress: From Corriere delle Dame to the Runways of Milan and Fifth Avenue, on to Global Destinations.” The exhibition features selections from the Library of Congress collections tracing the evolution of Italian fashion media and design and its sustained engagement with American audiences across two and a half centuries.

Together, we will explore the reciprocal influence of Italian fashion on American culture, as well as the role of American markets, celebrity culture, and investment in the global rise of Italian fashion.
A reception follows the conversation.

‼️ Event info:
Exhibition: 5:00 PM
Conversation: 6:00 PM
Reception: 8:00 PM

For schedules and tickets, please visit the Library of Congress website 👉 https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/76842623/celebrating-italian-fashions-enduring-american-legacy-washington-events-from-the-library-of-congress
Register soon—this event is expected to sell out quickly!

Please visit our Upcoming Events webpage for details and information about our upcoming programs.

We are pleased to share that the Summer edition of Poche Parole is now available online! 🗞️In this issue, you will find ...
09/02/2026

We are pleased to share that the Summer edition of Poche Parole is now available online! 🗞️

In this issue, you will find messages from our Board, including a preview of our Fall Schedule. Classes for adults will begin on Monday September 28th, and Kids and Teens courses on Friday September 18th. Register soon!

You will also read information on upcoming events and highlights from our spring and summer activities, including our trip to Villa Bonizella, as well as our next trip, April 12 -19 to Torino and The Langhe area, in Piemonte.

Featured articles include contributions from our students and members.

Stay connected with our classes and events by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and by exploring our YouTube channel.

You can find and read this edition by clicking here! 👉 https://italianculturalsociety.org/poche-parole/

Buona lettura!

Address

4833 Rugby Avenue, Ste 201
Bethesda, MD
20814

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+13012157885

Website

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