The UN Museum Geneva presents the history of the League of Nations and the United Nations through documents, archives and artworks. Accessible as part of the Palais des Nations tour, it helps visitors understand how international diplomacy has evolved.
History museums
Main highlights
- UN historical collections spanning more than 100 years of archives and diplomatic documents
- Tour of the Palais des Nations, an Art Deco building set in Ariana Park in Geneva
- Artworks donated by Member States, testaments to international cooperation
Overview
The museum dates back to 1947, when the League of Nations Liquidation Committee opened a first museum. Today known as the UN Museum Geneva, it highlights the history of the League of Nations, founded in 1920, and then of the United Nations.
Since 1966, the Palais des Nations has housed the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the organisation’s main centre after its New York headquarters. The museum is the custodian of its heritage, covering more than 100 years of history, and combines a heritage mission with an educational one.
"*" indicates required fields
What to see and do
The museum regularly hosts exhibitions of documents, artworks, books and objects from the historical collections of UN Geneva, supplemented by loans from other institutions and private collections. The collections trace the evolution of international relations, from the efforts of the League of Nations to the UN’s present-day challenges.
The guided tour of the Palais des Nations reveals its Art Deco architecture, the artworks and gifts donated by Member States, and the vast conference rooms where many negotiations have taken place : the Human Rights Room, the Salle des pas perdus, the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber.
UN Geneva also hosts cultural events : exhibitions, concerts, film screenings and talks.
Practical information
Getting there : the museum is open to anyone with access to the Palais des Nations. From Genève-Cornavin station, take tram 13 to the Nations stop, then walk for 10 minutes.
Visit duration : the guided tour of the Palais lasts about an hour.
Languages : guided tours are offered in 14 languages.
Groups : tours by written request, for groups of 12 or more.
Visitor tips
Book ahead : access to the Palais requires prior authorisation and places are limited. Official photo ID is mandatory, and security checks are similar to those at an airport, so allow plenty of time.
The conference schedule may affect tour availability. Round off your outing with a stroll through Ariana Park.
Nearby attractions
- The Ariana Museum, in Ariana Park, brings together ceramics and glassware from around the world.
- The Bains des Pâquis, on the shores of Lake Geneva, let you swim summer and winter with a view of the Jet d’eau.
- The Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden invites you to stroll among a collection of living plants.
Report an error or complete the informations
Reviews about this place