United Nations
UN Flag Public Domain
New York City has hosted the American headquarters of the world peacekeeping alliance since the building’s completion in 1952. One of four international UN headquarters, the New York City building is one of the most highly visited and offers in-depth discussions and tours to help visitors understand the organization’s mission.
Every year, over a million visitors tour the UN headquarters, looking through the exhibits and council chambers where world leaders and diplomats meet to discuss international issues. The building itself, and the row of flags along its edge is as iconic as Central Park or Rockefeller Center. The United Nations was originally established as a global cooperation to achieve international peace and here you may go behind the scenes and see it in action.
See the poignant and philosophical exhibits such as the "Golden Rule" mosaic, a guitar made from an assault rifle, and a mural by artist Jose Vela Zanetti on the topic of wartime violence and the importance of achieving peace. Historical artifacts such as remnants from the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan are on display alongside the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to remind people of the effects of war.
Topical briefings given by UN officials are available upon request with topics ranging from disarmament and nuclear safety/security to human rights, the laws of the Geneva Convention, and more. Be sure to stop by one of the gift and bookstores to commemorate your visit with a souvenir. roof!
