About Palais Des Nations
The building stands in the middle of 46 hectares of untarnished land transformed into a well-manicured garden, a serene addition to your Switzerland trip. The landscape boasts century-old trees, where vibrant and colourful peacocks gracefully flock, adding a touch of natural splendour to the surroundings.
Hosting around 1 lakh tourists every year, the second largest United Nations Office is an architectural masterpiece. One can witness various different rooms inside the building complex which includes the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilization Room which is elegantly decorated by the famous artist Miquel Barcelò.
You will also visit the Salle des Pas Perdus which will present you with the views of the rustic Celestial Sphere. Also, you will get the chance to witness the largest room in the Palais des Nations which is it Assembly Hall. Decorated with murals by José Maria Sert, the Council Chamber is also a major attraction of the building where numerous vital negotiations have been conducted.
Besides this you will also go through the artefacts and the gifts presented to the United Nations Office at Geneva by various other countries without which your visit to the office remains incomplete.
How To Reach Palais Des Nations
Are you a first-time traveller? Do not know how to reach Palais des Nations from Geneva Airport? Well, relax! It is not much of a hassle to reach there. You may take a bus, taxi or car, train or even walk to reach there. But buses are a more convenient option as it will take just 16 minutes to reach your destination. If you have less time on your side, then you can avail of a taxi or car.Best Time To Visit Palais Des Nations
Palais Des Nations Other Essential Information
History of Palais des Nations
The building has a very interesting and intriguing history. Well, let’s enlighten you on this! The history of this building dates back to 1919 after the League of Nations was founded. Right after that, a competition took place to finalize the design of the Palais before its construction.
An astonishing number of 377 proposals came, and the jury could not decide on one. Finally, the panel shortlisted five architects from five different countries for the project. Carlo Broggi from Italy, Julien Flegenheimer from Switzerland, Camille Lefèvre, and Henri Paul Nénot from France and Joseph Vago from Hungary collaborated to complete the project.
But the League was politically inactive and ceased to exist in 1945. With the formation of the United Nations in 1945, the Palais became the second largest United Nations Office.
Tips for visiting Palais des Nations
- Geneva is a well-connected city with buses, trains, and taxis, which will make your journey easy and comfortable. You can easily reach the Palais from any point of the city.
- As hotels are costly here, and if you are tight on budget, then you must go for hostels. Hostels are a bit cheaper compared to hotels. But if you have a budget, then you can stay and enjoy the luxurious suites.
- Bring lighter clothes during summer and warm clothes in winter. Lake Geneva is known for swimming during summer and spring, so if you like swimming, don't forget to carry a swimsuit.
- The place is generally safe to move around even at night. But you know prevention is always better than cure! So a little alertness is recommended.
- Take a tour guide if you want to explore the Palais both outside and inside.





