Adventure Collective
Cultural & Art Tour at United Nations Visitors Centre - New York City

Cultural & Art Tour at United Nations Visitors Centre

New Yorkeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–1.5 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal physical effort required

Overview

Discover the inspiring art and history of the United Nations headquarters through a captivating tour. See iconic chambers and unique artworks that highlight global diplomacy in action. This engaging tour combines art, history, and international relations, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in Manhattan. Perfect for curious travelers and culture seekers alike.

New York, New York

Art Tour

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Adventure Photos

Art Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the rich history and artistry of the United Nations Headquarters on a captivating Art Tour. Explore a unique collection of artworks from renowned artists while gaining access to iconic chambers like the Security Council and General Assembly Hall. This unforgettable journey offers a glimpse into global diplomacy and culture.

##Arrival Procedures for United Nations Headquarters Please complete both steps below for entry:

  1. Register Online: All visitors to United Nations Headquarters must register on the United Nations Security Website prior to arrival. CLICK HERE to register.
  1. Bring Valid Identification: In addition to completing online registration, all visitors aged 18 and older must bring a valid, original, government-issued photo ID from a UN Member State or Non-Member Observer State to present at entry. The ID must be in Latin/Roman characters. Acceptable forms include:> ・Passport ・Driver’s License ・National Identity Card ・IDNYC Card

Please note: Only original, physical IDs are accepted (no photocopies or digital images).

_________________________________ See the security procedures here --> Security page - Arrival Frequently Asked Questions ----------> FAQs Contact Us

About

Visit the unique gifts collection of the United Nations Headquarters, a combination of artworks, historic objects, and architectural components. It is a result of donations by member states, foundations, and individual donors since 1950. Many of the most prominent figures in the art world, such as Marc Chagall, Candido Portinari, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, are represented in the UN collection.

In this tour, you will see a selection of the artworks located in the building, and will access the Security Council, the General Assembly Hall, as well as the Economic and Social Council and the Trusteeship Council Chambers, meetings permitting.

The Art Tour is available in English every other Thursday at 1:15pm, and upon request for large groups. Please contact toursunhq@un.org for availability.

Tours last approximately 45-60 minutes.

Due to high-level meetings of Heads of State and Government, and delegations, United Nations Headquarters and Chambers may sometimes close to the public on very short notice.

The United Nations Headquarters is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Rates for 2025

  • Adult: $26.00
  • Student (Ages 13+ with student ID): $18.00
  • Senior (Ages 60+): $18.00
  • Child (Ages 5-12): $15.00

A 6% booking fee will apply.

For security reasons, children under 5 years of age are not permitted on tour.

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Payment methods

We accept credit card, Google Pay & Apple Pay payments ONLY Checks and Purchase orders are not accepted.

A 6% booking fee will apply.

All sales are final - no exchanges or refunds are offered. !.

Hours of operation

  • Weekdays: First tour leaving at 9:30, last tour leaving at 4:45. Please plan to arrive 60 minutes before your tour.
  • The UN Headquarters is closed on weekends and holidays listed below.
  • The shops in the Visitors Services court close around 5:30pm. If you are taking the 4:45 pm tour, we suggest that you plan to visit the shops prior to your tour.

Check-In

All visitors to the United Nations Headquarters require a UN security pass to enter the United Nations building. This security pass must be obtained at the Visitor Check-in Office.

Start your visit at the  Visitor  Check-in Office  (801 1st Avenue at 45th  Street, across the street from the UN Visitors Entrance).  After receiving your security pass, proceed across the street to the United Nations Visitors Entrance (46th Street and 1st Avenue) for security screening and access to UN Headquarters.

For security screening, please arrive 60 minutes before the start of your tour.

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Closed Dates

2025 January 1st ----------- New Year's Day January 7th ----------- Orthodox Christmas March 10th/11th --- Commission on the Status of Women March 31st ------------ Eid al-Fitr (observed) April 18th -------------- Good Friday May 26th --------------- Memorial Day June 6th ---------------- Eid al-Adha (observed) July 4th ----------------- Independence Day September 1st ------- Labour Day Sep.15 ~ Oct.3 ------ The 80th General Assembly Session November 27th ----- Thanksgiving Day December 25th ------ Christmas Day

Adventure Tips

Book in advance

Tours are held every other Thursday, so reserve your spot early to ensure participation.

Arrive early

Arriving 15 minutes before your tour start time helps you settle in and avoid missing the beginning.

Bring ID

Bring a valid ID for security screening and check-in at the Visitor Centre.

Wear comfortable shoes

Walking through the UN headquarters requires comfortable footwear for a full experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons
  • City squirrels

History

The UN Headquarters was completed in 1952 and has since been a symbol of international diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts.

Conservation

The UN promotes sustainable practices within its operations, including eco-friendly building initiatives and cultural preservation.

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Adventure Hotspots in New York City

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for exploring the expansive corridors and chambers comfortably.

Photo ID

Essential

Needed for security clearance during the tour.

Notebook and pen

Great for jotting down insights or questions for guides.

Light jacket

Optional for indoor comfort, especially in cooler weather.