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Palais des Nations
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Palais des Nations in Geneva is one of the world's most significant centers for international diplomacy and serves as the European headquarters of the United Nations. The monumental complex was constructed between 1929 and 1938 in Ariana Park to house the League of Nations. Following World War II, the property was transferred to the UN, becoming its second-largest office after the headquarters in New York. In terms of size, the Palais des Nations is the second largest building complex in Europe, surpassed only by the Palace of Versailles. Its most notable interior spaces include the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber, which is adorned with magnificent murals by the Spanish painter José Maria Sert. On the plaza in front of the building stands the iconic 'Broken Chair' sculpture, representing the fight against landmines. Every year, thousands of international conferences and diplomatic meetings are held here, focusing on world peace, human rights, and global development. The surrounding park is also home to a flock of peacocks, originally a gift to the League of Nations.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Palace of Nations · Ariana Park · Musée militaire genevois
- Nearby: Vernier (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 98 | 73 | 90 | 75 | 111 | 100 | 93 | 99 | 76 | 92 | 96 | 106 |
📋 Practical info
Address
1211 Genève (Palais des Nations, Avenue de la Paix)
Hours
Mon-Fri 10:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00 (by guided tour only)
Entry
16 CHF adults, 10 CHF children (ID required!)
Website
Transit
Tram 15 or bus lines 5, 8, 11, 22 to Nations stop.
Parking
No visitor parking on site; use Nations parking garage.
Accessibility
Accessible; advance notice necessary for wheelchair users.
Photos
Photography allowed, except during ongoing sessions.
Best time
Book early (online), as tours are often fully booked days in advance.
Audio guide
Available in 15 languages (during the tour)
Geography
Facts
- The building was constructed in the Neoclassical style between 1929 and 1938.
- The Palais is the second largest building complex in Europe by floor area.
- The United Nations officially took possession of the building in 1946.
- The 'Broken Chair' sculpture on the main plaza stands 12 meters tall.
- Between 8,000 and 10,000 meetings are held at the Palais every year.
- Ariana Park, where the complex is situated, covers 45 hectares.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Palais des Nations (10)
Musée Ariana🏛 museum
Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass in Geneva.
Geneva Botanic Garden
Botanical garden in Switzerland, featuring plants from around the world.
Peace Bell Honsen-ji, Shinagawa
Bell in Ariana Park in Geneva, a gift from Japan.
Animal Park
Zoo in Geneva, home to domestic and exotic animals.
Pregny Castle🏰 castle
Château in Pregny-Chambésy, canton of Geneva, Switzerland.
UN Beach
Beach on Lake Geneva, near the UN compound.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport for the visit?
Yes, a valid photo ID is mandatory for entry into the UN grounds.
Are there guided tours?
Daily tours go through the assembly halls and last about 60 minutes.
Is walking allowed in Ariana Park?
The park is part of the complex and accessible during visiting hours.
How do I reach the palace?
Tram line 15 stops directly at the Nations station in front of the main gate.
Are photos allowed?
Photography without flash is allowed in most public areas.
Palais des Nations: where is it located?
Palais des Nations is located in Switzerland.
Palais des Nations: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palace of Nations, Ariana Park, Musée militaire genevois.
Palais des Nations: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Palais des Nations: why is it worth visiting?
The Palais des Nations in Geneva is one of the world's most significant centers for international diplomacy and serves as the European headquarters of the United Nations.
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