Adventure Collective
UN Architecture Tour: A Unique Insight in New York - New York

UN Architecture Tour: A Unique Insight in New York

New Yorkeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

45–60 minutes

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels as walking inside the building is minimal and accessible.

Overview

Step into a global landmark with the UN Architecture Tour in New York. Discover how 11 architects crafted a building that embodies peace and international cooperation.

New York, New York

Architecture Tour

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Adventure Photos

Architecture Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience the UN Architecture Tour, a captivating exploration of the iconic United Nations headquarters in New York. Discover the collaborative vision of 11 renowned architects and how this architectural marvel promotes peace and multilateralism. Join us every other Tuesday for a unique glimpse into this global symbol of diplomacy.

##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

The UN Architecture Tour is dedicated to a marvel of modernist design and international style - the UN headquarters building in New York. Our tour will explore the fascinating history behind the “Workshop for Peace”, a collaborative effort of 11 renowned architects from around the world to build a home for the United Nations, and explore how this ‘workshop’ reinforces and accommodates peacebuilding and multilateralism until this day.

The Architecture Tour is available in English every other Tuesday at 1:00pm, 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 and tours are suspended 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

Arrive Early for Security

Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before your tour to complete mandatory security screening.

Bring Valid Government ID

Original photo ID in Latin/Roman characters is required for entry—no photocopies or digital versions.

Book Tours in Advance

Tours fill up quickly and are only held every other Tuesday, so secure your spot early by registering online.

Accessibility Available

The United Nations Headquarters is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Urban peregrine falcons nesting nearby
  • Seasonal migratory birds on the waterfront

History

The UN Headquarters was completed in 1952 as a symbol of post-WWII unity, designed by a team led by Wallace Harrison and including Le Corbusier.

Conservation

The UN complex actively pursues sustainability efforts and encourages visitor awareness of environmental stewardship in urban settings.

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Adventure Hotspots in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating the interior spaces and nearby city sidewalks.

Photo ID

Essential

Required for entry to complete UN security registration.

Weather-appropriate jacket

Spring showers and cooler temps mean a lightweight rain jacket is handy.

spring specific

Layered clothing

Fall weather can change quickly, so layers keep you comfortable indoors and out.

fall specific