Cablegate: Usunesco - American Architecture Exhibit Inauguration
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Lucia A Keegan 11/08/2006 02:44:29 PM From DB/Inbox: Lucia A Keegan
Cable
Text:
UNCLAS PARIS 07282
SIPDIS
cxparis:
ACTION: UNESCO
INFO: POL ECON AMBU AMB AMBO DCM SCI
DISSEMINATION: UNESCOX
CHARGE: PROG
APPROVED: AMB:LVOLIVER
DRAFTED: PA:JROLLAND
CLEARED: POL:DOSTROFF
VZCZCFRI837
RR RUEHC RUCNSCO
DE RUEHFR #7282 3120924
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 080924Z NOV 06
FM AMEMBASSY PARIS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2939
INFO RUCNSCO/UNESCO COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS PARIS 007282
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNESCO KPAO
SUBJECT: USUNESCO - AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE EXHIBIT INAUGURATION
1. SUMMARY: On October 3, UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura
joined Ambassador Oliver and architectural historian & photographer
John Margolies, to inaugurate the "American Roadside Architecture"
exhibit at UNESCO Headquarters. The exhibit featured over 50
photographs of mid-twentieth century American roadside buildings, as
well as framed U.S. tourist maps from Margolies' personal
collection. The opening reception was a lively event, with a DJ
who played American 50s-60s music and a vintage 1956 Chrysler
contributing to the evening's upbeat, nostalgic feel. END SUMMARY
2. The Director General made enthusiastic opening remarks,
recalling a memorable cross-country road trip he made during his
college years in the U.S., and subsequently issued a very positive
press release about the exhibit. Others in attendance, including the
Austrian ambassador and his wife, also said the photos brought back
fond memories of U.S. travels. The exhibit, which ran for two
weeks, provided an excellent occasion to showcase some of the best
and most amusing aspects of uniquely American architecture.
3. COMMENT: Held on the eve of the Executive Board, the opening
reception also gave the U.S. Mission an opportunity to connect with
UNESCO counterparts, and discuss key policy issues in a relaxed
setting. The largest event hosted by the U.S. Mission outside of
July 4th, the reception was attended by many UNESCO ambassadors and
staff. Deputy Assistant Secretary Colleen Graffy, who was also
present, echoed the general consensus in declaring the evening a big
success. END COMMENT
OLIVER