Palace of Nations, European headquarters of United Nations in Parc de l'Ariana, Switzerland.
The Palace of Nations stretches across a vast complex featuring white stone facades, geometric design elements, and numerous conference halls for international gatherings.
The building began construction in 1929 and opened in 1938 as the League of Nations headquarters before becoming the United Nations Office at Geneva in 1946.
Five renowned architects from different nations collaborated to create this monument of international diplomacy, incorporating art deco elements and modernist principles.
Guided tours of the Palace operate Monday through Friday between 14:00 and 16:00, allowing visitors to explore the Assembly Hall and diplomatic meeting rooms.
The building contains a time capsule beneath its foundation stone, holding historical documents and coins from League of Nations member states.
Location: Geneva
Inception: 1938
Architects: Camille Lefèvre, Hannes Meyer, József Vágó, Julien Flegenheimer, Carlo Broggi
Official opening: 1938
Architectural style: Stripped Classicism
Part of: list of cultural properties in Geneva / Petit-Saconnex
Address: Palais des Nations, 1211 Genève, Switzerland 1211 Genève
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 14:00-16:00
Phone: +41229171234
Website: https://ungeneva.org
GPS coordinates: 46.22667,6.14011
Latest update: October 2, 2025 11:49
Geneva offers a diverse heritage combining history, science, and nature on the shores of Lake Geneva. The city houses institutions such as the Palace of Nations and CERN, religious buildings like Saint Pierre Cathedral where Calvin preached, as well as cultural spaces like the Patek Philippe Museum dedicated to Swiss watchmaking. The Jet d'Eau, an emblematic fountain shooting water 140 meters high, marks the lake landscape. Visitors also explore the collections at the Natural History Museum, walk through botanical gardens housing alpine and tropical plants, or visit Maison Tavel, the oldest medieval house in the city. The Bains des Pâquis offer swimming and relaxation by the lake with views of Mont Blanc. This concentration of historic, scientific, and natural sites makes Geneva a comprehensive destination for discovering the Swiss Romand heritage.
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