Palais Wilson, United Nations headquarters on Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Palais Wilson is a five-story sandstone structure with 225 rooms located on Lake Geneva and features a symmetrical facade with French Neo-Renaissance architectural elements. The building is oriented toward the lake and shapes the visual character of Geneva's waterfront.
The building served as the headquarters of the League of Nations from 1920 until 1936, when the organization relocated to the Palais des Nations. It received its name in 1924 to honor President Woodrow Wilson, who established the League of Nations after World War I.
The building houses the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, where international representatives meet to discuss global human rights concerns. Sessions held here bring together delegates from different nations to exchange views on protecting people's rights worldwide.
Visitors must obtain security clearance and arrange appointments in advance to access the building. It follows standard office hours, so check availability before making the trip to the site.
The structure was originally a private mansion before being converted into an administrative center for international affairs. This transformation shows how individual buildings in Geneva became central to world diplomacy.
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