Geneva Attractions

Venue: Palais des Nations    When: Daily

The historical seat of the United Nations in Geneva is open to the public for guided tours.

The first seat of the UN, the Palais des Nations was initially intended as a home for its predecessor, the League of Nations. Work began on the building in 1929 and it was eventually completed in 1936, to the designs of a multitude of European architects. Although a new wing was added in 1975 to meet the needs of the growing organisation, the Palais retains the look of its time in its rigid marble structure. Although perhaps not the most beautiful of Geneva's buildings, it is certainly the most imposing, at twice the size of Versailles.

Outside, the extensive park houses a number of sculptures including the famous Armillary Sphere, which has been adopted as the emblem of the UN, as well as a family of peacocks. Inside the monolithic halls delegates from the 185 member states work alongside NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and journalists, filling the hundreds of rooms. The massive Assembly Hall, dominated by a José Maria Sert mural, can seat 2000 people, while the library occupies a wing of its own.

Guided tours are available in 15 different languages.