The Palais des Nations was built as the headquarters of the League of Nations and was constructed between 1929 and 1936. Since World War II, it has been the second center of the United Nations after their headquarters in New York City.

This massive building functions as a major diplomatic conference center. Around 100,000 people take the 1 hour guided tour each year. Identity documents are needed to get in. On this tour, you will learn about the history of the building and about the UN. Some rooms that you will visit include the Council Chamber (location of many important negotiations), the Salles des Pas Perdus, and the Assembly Hall, which is the largest room in the building and has room for 2,000.

The palace is located in 45 hectare Ariana Park, which is filled with majestic cedars and cypresses as well as some interesting sculptures. Good views of the Palais des Nations and of Geneva can be seen from the park.

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Entrance: visitors must enter at the Pregny Gate at 14, avenue de la Paix.

Buses: numbers 8, 18, F, V and Z stop at "Appia"; numbers 5,11 and 14 stop at "Nations".

Last edited on Nov 5, 09 8:34 PM.
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Eric M.

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Leo S.

Apr 25, 2011

Recommended to anyone. It doesn't matter if one is a politics aficionado or not, its just a marvellous piece of architecture inside and out. This is where history was made and if one is in Geneva and doesn't go to the Palais des Nations, life would be a huge mistake.

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Kate H.

May 12, 2010

I didn't take the tour, but made a point to swing by the building anyway. It's an impressive place, and I wanted to see the display of flags. Also was impressed by the water feature in front of the building....it soaked a few unsuspecting people! :)

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Stojanka T.

Sep 22, 2009

Geneva is the headquarters of some 200 international organizactions, and most of them are located around the Place des Nations. Place des Nations is situated in a park offering beautiful panoramic views of the city, lake and Alps.

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Benji S.

Jun 2, 2009

For a MUN nut like me, this was like a pilgrimage, seeing the center of the UNO world and all the work the UN does through those organizations was astounding. It was far more impressive than the UN Headquarters in NYC

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