![Palais Wilson (Wilson Palace), Geneva](/img/gd_attr/26703.jpg)
Palais Wilson (Wilson Palace), Geneva
The Wilson Palace is an iconic building that has historical and international importance. It has served as the headquarters of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) since 1993.
The palace is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, characterized by its elegant design, grand columns, and intricate detailing. The building's façade is particularly noteworthy, featuring Ionic columns and decorative elements that reflect the architectural style of the early 20th century.
The palace was constructed between 1873 and 1878 as a luxury hotel called the Hotel National. It was designed by the Swiss architect Jules-Louis and John Camoletti. In 1924, it was acquired by the League of Nations, an intergovernmental organization that preceded the United Nations. It was then renamed the Wilson Palace in honor of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, who played a crucial role in the establishment of the League of Nations.
Today, the Wilson Palace is best known for its role in promoting human rights and global diplomacy. It houses the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and serves as a center for discussions and activities related to human rights on an international scale.
While the Wilson Palace is primarily a working government building and not typically open to the public for tours, its grand architecture and historical significance make it a notable landmark to admire from the outside. Visitors to Geneva can appreciate its beauty as they explore the city's vibrant streets.
The palace is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, characterized by its elegant design, grand columns, and intricate detailing. The building's façade is particularly noteworthy, featuring Ionic columns and decorative elements that reflect the architectural style of the early 20th century.
The palace was constructed between 1873 and 1878 as a luxury hotel called the Hotel National. It was designed by the Swiss architect Jules-Louis and John Camoletti. In 1924, it was acquired by the League of Nations, an intergovernmental organization that preceded the United Nations. It was then renamed the Wilson Palace in honor of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, who played a crucial role in the establishment of the League of Nations.
Today, the Wilson Palace is best known for its role in promoting human rights and global diplomacy. It houses the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and serves as a center for discussions and activities related to human rights on an international scale.
While the Wilson Palace is primarily a working government building and not typically open to the public for tours, its grand architecture and historical significance make it a notable landmark to admire from the outside. Visitors to Geneva can appreciate its beauty as they explore the city's vibrant streets.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Geneva. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Palais Wilson (Wilson Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palais Wilson (Wilson Palace)
Sight Location: Geneva, Switzerland (See walking tours in Geneva)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Geneva, Switzerland (See walking tours in Geneva)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Geneva, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Geneva
Creating your own self-guided walk in Geneva is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches
As the cradle of the Reformist movement in Europe led by theologian Jean Calvin, the city of Geneva has no shortage of religious sites representing a great deal of historical and cultural value. A dedicated Christian, a keen churchgoer, or simply one who is interested in objects of spirituality will find here quite a few temples worthy of attention.
Whether you're drawn to the austere... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Whether you're drawn to the austere... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Geneva Introduction Walking Tour
The city of Geneva enjoys picturesque location at the southern tip of the expansive Lac Léman (aka Lake Geneva), surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, including the dramatic Mont Blanc peak.
The city was mentioned for the first time in Latin texts, by Caesar, with the spelling Genava, derived probably from the Celtic genawa- or genu- ("bend, knee"), in the sense of a bending... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The city was mentioned for the first time in Latin texts, by Caesar, with the spelling Genava, derived probably from the Celtic genawa- or genu- ("bend, knee"), in the sense of a bending... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Best Swiss Watch Shops Tour
When it comes to quality and precision, Swiss-made watches are known to be the best. Some of the world-renowned watch brands have been designed and masterminded in Geneva. The city's watch industry dates back to the 16th century, and since then has constantly developed to produce the most desired timepieces.
Geneva hosts a cluster of specialized shops that cater to the refined tastes of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Geneva hosts a cluster of specialized shops that cater to the refined tastes of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Architectural Jewels
Geneva, a city renowned for its diplomatic prowess and picturesque landscapes, boasts an array of architectural jewels. The remarkable medieval and more contemporary structures such as Geneva Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville), Saint Peter Cathedral (Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre), and Schtroumph Buildings, showing a mix of French and German influences, have captivated both locals and tourists for decades.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Chocolate Tour
Chocolate started to gain popularity in Switzerland in the early 16th century and has since evolved to become a highly appreciated Swiss commodity throughout the world. Almost every city or town in the country has at least one chocolate shop, and Geneva is by far no exception.
The local chocolate scene is a true delight for any cocoa enthusiast. Here, you'll find a handful of iconic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The local chocolate scene is a true delight for any cocoa enthusiast. Here, you'll find a handful of iconic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles