Headquarters of the United Nations

The United Nations headquarters spans 18 acres with a 39-story Secretariat Building featuring glass curtain walls and marble facades along the East River.

Construction of the United Nations headquarters began in 1947 on former slaughterhouse grounds, reaching completion in 1952 under the guidance of international architects.

The headquarters displays numerous artworks from member nations, including the Non-Violence sculpture depicting a knotted revolver barrel and murals by Fernand Léger.

Twenty elevators transport delegates and staff members through the complex, which contains conference rooms, offices, and facilities for diplomatic meetings.

The site holds extraterritorial status and does not fall under United States law, even though it sits in the middle of New York. Delegates from 193 member states can move through the grounds without technically stepping on American soil.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: October 9, 1952

Architects: Oscar Niemeyer, Le Corbusier, Harrison & Abramovitz, Julio Vilamajó, Howard Robertson, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Liang Sicheng, Ernest Cormier, Sven Markelius, Best Overend, Wallace Harrison, Gaston Brunfaut

Architectural style: International Style

Elevators: 20

Elevation above the sea: 12 m

Height: 154.3 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: FDR Drive

Website: https://un.org

GPS coordinates: 40.74963,-73.96739

Latest update: December 3, 2025 07:31