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.
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