The Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, was built between 1929 and 1938 as the headquarters of the League of Nations. Today it serves as the United Nations' European headquarters and flies the UN flag.
The architectural competition held in the 1920s to choose a design for the complex described the project in the following terms:
- The Palais, whose construction is the object of the competition, is intended to house all the organs of the League of Nations in Geneva. It should be designed in such a way as to allow these organs to work, to preside and to hold discussions, independently and easily in the calm atmosphere which should prevail when dealing with problems of an international dimension.
A jury of architects was mandated to choose a final design from among 377 entries but was unable to decide on a winner. Ultimately, five architects behind the leading entries were chosen to collaborate on a final design. These were Carlo Broggi of Italy, Julien Flegenheimer of Switzerland, Camille Lefèvre and Henri-Paul Nénot of France, and Joseph Vago of Hungary. Donations from League members were used in the interior.
After its transfer to the United Nations, two extensions were added to the building. In the early 1950s, three floors were added to the "K" building and the "D" building was constructed to temporarily house the World Health Organization. The "E" building (or "New Building) was completed in 1973 as a conference facility. With the additions, the complex is 600 metres long with 34 conference rooms and 2,800 offices.
The Palais is located in Ariana Park and is surrounded by trees. The park was bequeathed to the City of Geneva by the Revilliod de Rive family with the condition that peacocks should roam freely on its grounds which they do to this day. The park also contains a 1668 chalet.
Beneath the Palais des Nations's foundation stone is a capsule containing a document listing the names of the League of Nations Member States, a copy of the Covenant of the League, and specimen coins of all the countries represented at its Tenth Assembly.
The building overlooks Lake Geneva and has a clear view of the Swiss Alps.
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