1. The Palais des Nations, which means \"Palace of Nations,\" is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It serves as the European headquarters of the United Nations and is one of the world’s major diplomatic hubs. The building itself is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture and is set amidst beautiful parkland and gardens. It was originally built in the 1930s as the headquarters of the League of Nations, which was the precursor to the United Nations.
Inside the Palais des Nations, there are numerous conference rooms, assembly halls, and offices where international negotiations and discussions take place. The building is adorned with beautiful murals and artwork, including the famous \"Frieze of Peace\" in the Assembly Hall. Visitors can also explore the Council Chamber, the Assembly Room, and the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room.
2. The Palais des Nations is open for guided tours to the public from Monday to Friday, except on official holidays. The tour duration is approximately one hour and includes visits to various parts of the building, as well as an introduction to the work of the United Nations. As of September 2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions, online reservation is required to ensure a limited number of visitors per time slot. The contact information to request tours or inquire about visiting is:
Phone: +41 22 917 48 96
Email: genevatours@un.org
3. To enter the Palais des Nations, visitors must obtain a visitor’s badge at the Pregny Gate entrance. The entrance fee for individuals is 15 Swiss Francs (CHF), while groups of 10 or more can enjoy a reduced fee of 8 CHF per person. Children under the age of 12 can enter for free. It is recommended to arrive early and allow extra time for security checks, as the process can be time-consuming.
Transportation to the Palais des Nations can be done by various means. The nearest train station is the \"Gare de Genève-Sécheron,\" which is a short walk away from the main entrance. Additionally, buses 8, 11, 22, and 28 all have stops near the Palais. Visitors coming by car can use the paid parking facilities available at the Pregny Gate entrance. It is important to note that parking spaces are limited and subject to availability.