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Geneva · Switzerland

Palais des Nations

The Geneva headquarters of the United Nations, built originally for the League of Nations in Ariana Park.

Plan a trip here Website / visitor information
Palais des Nations Choinowski · CC BY-SA 4.0
Typical visit
2 hours
Setting
Indoor
Region
Geneva
Last checked
10 Aug 2026

Why visit

The Geneva headquarters of the United Nations, built originally for the League of Nations in Ariana Park. A visit is centred on Assembly Hall, Council Chamber and Ariana Park, so the place can be understood through concrete features rather than only as a photograph stop. Its setting in Geneva also connects it with the wider character of Geneva. Allowing time for the principal feature and its immediate surroundings gives useful context for travellers interested in history, architecture, politics. It pairs naturally with other nearby sights in the same region while retaining enough historical, cultural or landscape interest to justify a dedicated visit.

What you will see

  • Assembly Hall.
  • Council Chamber.
  • Ariana Park.

History

The main complex was constructed between 1929 and 1938 for the League of Nations. After the Second World War it became a principal European centre of the United Nations.

Photographs

Palais des Nations

Choinowski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Allow enough time for the principal feature and its immediate setting rather than treating the stop only as a photograph point.

  2. 2

    Use the current official destination or operator information for access, maintenance, weather and seasonal changes.

About Geneva

International institutions, Reformation history, museums and the lakefront of Switzerland’s westernmost major city.

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Combine it with

More to see around Geneva

All of Geneva
Jet d’Eau Geneva · Switzerland Geneva’s tall lake fountain, projecting a column of water from the harbour where Lake Geneva narrows into the Rhône. St Pierre Cathedral Geneva · Switzerland Geneva’s principal historic cathedral, combining Romanesque, Gothic and later elements above the old town. Patek Philippe Museum Geneva · Switzerland A horology museum displaying historic watches, enamels and the development of Geneva watchmaking. Reformation Wall Geneva · Switzerland A monumental wall in Parc des Bastions commemorating leading figures and events of the Protestant Reformation. CERN Science Gateway Meyrin · Switzerland A public science centre at CERN introducing particle physics, accelerators and the laboratory’s international research.

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