Palace of Nations, European headquarters of United Nations in Parc de l'Ariana, Switzerland.
The Palace of Nations is a government building in Parc de l'Ariana in Geneva, Switzerland, serving as the European headquarters of the United Nations. Long wings of pale stone frame inner courtyards and connect several assembly halls with office blocks through a network of corridors.
The foundation stone was laid in 1929 for the League of Nations, and the complex was completed in 1938. After World War II, the United Nations took over the compound in 1946 as an office location.
The name honors cooperation among peoples after World War I and appears in artworks donated by member countries. Visitors today see tapestries, sculptures, and ceiling paintings from different continents in the corridors and meeting rooms.
Tours take place on weekday afternoons and require advance booking along with valid identification for security checks. The entrance sits on the eastern side of the park, and signs guide the way to the visitor center.
A time capsule beneath the foundation stone holds coins and documents from League of Nations member states. The collection remains sealed and will open only at a future ceremonial event.
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
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 14:00-16:00
Phone: +41229171234
Website: https://ungeneva.org
GPS coordinates: 46.22667,6.14011
Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:13
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...
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