Take a look inside the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C., which is opening today for the first time in 54 years

After more than five decades of cold relations, the US and Cuba have restored full diplomatic relations.

July 20 marks the opening of the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C., for the first time in 54 years.

Cuba's embassy is located in an elegant mansion on 16th Street in the US capital.

With gilded moldings, columns, arches, and statues, the building feels very grand inside.

There are elegant stained glass windows.

And grand marble balconies.

It will begin functioning as an embassy today.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez was on hand to raise the Cuban flag over the new embassy.

This is the first time that the Cuban flag has been raised in Washington, D.C., since 1961.

A large crowd gathered outside the embassy.

Most signs outside the embassy seem to welcome the return of Cuba in the US.