Palace of Nations

The Palace of Nations is the UN’s Geneva headquarters in Ariana Park, Europe’s largest diplomatic complex. Built for the League of Nations in 1929–1938, it is open to the public only on one-hour guided tours.

• Erected 1929–1938 for the League of Nations, expanded 1950–1952 and 1968–1973; recent upgrades added Building H 2018–2021 and the Peace Gate 2021–2022 – showcasing 20th–21st-century layers.
• Set in the 46-ha Ariana Park – the alley of flags leads to the main front, peacocks roam the lawns, and there are views to the lake and Mont Blanc.
• Highlights on tour: the Council Chamber with José Maria Sert’s gold-sepia murals 1936, the Human Rights Room (Room XX) with Miquel Barceló’s stalactite ceiling 2008, and outside the 1939 Paul Manship Celestial Sphere.
• Visits are by ~1-hour guided tour only – book online, register for a digital access badge, bring passport/EU ID, allow ~30 min for screening; visitor entry via Pregny Gate, Avenue de la Paix 14.
• Across Place des Nations stands “Broken Chair” 1997, 12 m tall – a photo stop before/after your visit.

• The Council Chamber, Assembly Hall and the Human Rights Room (access depends on conferences).
• The Cour d’Honneur with the alley of flags and the Celestial Sphere in Ariana Park.
• Place des Nations with the Broken Chair and façades of the Palais.

Following an 1927 international competition, Geneva granted land in Ariana Park; the foundation stone was laid on 7 September 1929. By 1936–1938 the League of Nations moved into the new complex with library and representative halls.

In 1946, League assets passed to the United Nations and the European office settled here. The site grew in 1950–1952 and 1968–1973; since the late 2010s the Strategic Heritage Plan has delivered Building H 2018–2021 and the 2021–2022 Peace Gate – modernization while preserving heritage.

Location: Avenue de la Paix 14, 1211 Geneva – visitor entrance at Pregny Gate, opposite the Red Cross Museum.

Getting there: From Cornavin station: buses 8, 20, 60 to Appia; or tram 15/bus 5 to Nations, then ~5-minute walk to Pregny Gate.

Access: Guided tours only with pre-purchased ticket and digital access badge; passport or EU ID required; airport-style screening; no large luggage or suitcases.

Visiting hours: Tours year-round per online schedule; first-time entry aligns with Pregny Gate hours Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00; arrive ~30 min before your slot.

Visit duration: ~1 hour for the tour plus security check.

Best time: Weekday mornings – fewer queues and fewer meeting-related restrictions; clear days give good light on the flags.

Notes: Routes and room access depend on conferences; photography is restricted in parts – follow guide instructions; tours may be cancelled on high-level event days.