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United Nations Headquarters - Palais des Nations

United Nations Headquarters - Palais des Nations

Geneva

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United Nations Headquarters - Palais des Nations

The Palais des Nations, once home to the League of Nations, now serves as the UN’s European headquarters. You can take a guided tour (with advance booking) to see spaces like the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber, where international negotiations still happen today. The building sits inside Ariana Park — a quiet, green space dotted with old cedars, roaming peacocks, and views down to the lake.

Information

  • addressPalais des Nations, Avenue de la Paix 8-14, Geneva
  • phone+41 22 917 12 34
  • websiteVisit website
  • facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/UNGeneva/

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