Palais Wilson Palace

Address: Quai Wilson 47, 1211 Genève, Switzerland

Website: https://unog.ch

Admission: Free (guided tours of the UN Office at Geneva are available by reservation)

Palais Wilson is a landmark building on the right bank of Lake Geneva in Geneva, Switzerland. It is best known as the first permanent seat of the League of Nations and today functions as part of the United Nations presence in Geneva.

The building fronts the lake on Quai Wilson and is visible from the lakeside promenade; its riverside location and historic façade make it a common photographic subject. Although much of the complex is used for UN offices and conference space, plaques and external signage explain its League of Nations past and its current UN role.

Originally constructed in the late 19th century, the building gained international prominence when it became the League of Nations headquarters in 1920. It was later renamed for President Woodrow Wilson and was integrated into the United Nations system after World War II.

Sited on the Geneva lakefront, the palace sits within the central lakeside district of Geneva on Quai Wilson, close to the city centre and public waterfront promenades.

• League of Nations: Served as the first seat of the League of Nations from 1920 to 1936 before becoming part of the United Nations presence in Geneva.
• United Nations offices: Named after U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and currently houses United Nations offices, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

• Go early on a weekday to photograph the lakefront façade and Jet d'Eau with fewer pedestrians on the Quai Wilson; the best exterior views are from the lakeside promenade.
• Approach from the lakeside (Quai Wilson) rather than the busy Rue de Lausanne side - the palace's park and lakeside perspective are the most rewarding parts for visitors.
• Remember the building served as the League of Nations' first headquarters and now houses UN human-rights offices; the interior is office space, so most visitors concentrate on the historical exterior and gardens.