Discover a unique art collection at the UN’s Vienna headquarters. The UN Vienna Visitors Service offers a one-hour guided journey into contemporary Austrian and international art within an active diplomatic venue.
Discover a unique art collection at the UN’s Vienna headquarters. The UN Vienna Visitors Service offers a one-hour guided journey into contemporary Austrian and international art within an active diplomatic venue.
Book with UN Vienna Visitors Service
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by UN Vienna Visitors Service · Wien, Wien
Located at Wagramer Str. 5 in Vienna’s 22nd district, the UN Vienna Visitors Service offers an intriguing glimpse into the intersection of international diplomacy and contemporary art with its Weekly Public UN Vienna Art Tour. This immersive one-hour guided experience takes visitors through the Vienna International Centre (VIC), home to a carefully curated collection of artworks from Austria and UN member states. It’s a rare opportunity to see how art functions within a global institution dedicated to peace and cooperation.
The collection originated when Austria opened the VIC in 1979, showcasing modern Austrian art by masters such as Rudolf Hausner, Alfred Hrdlicka, and Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Over the decades, it has expanded as other member states contributed, creating a diverse and thought-provoking mix of cultural expressions. Among the highlights are Japanese artist Sagenji Yoshida’s sacred "Ho-o Raigi" birds, the Iranian "Scholar's Pavilion" built as a traditional Chartaghi, and Mongolia’s historical Gerege diplomatic passport — each piece carrying its own story bridging artistry and heritage.
Visitors embark from a secure UN compound that requires official identification, emphasizing the unique setting of this tour. The blend of austere international architecture with vibrant artistic elements makes the space distinct in Vienna’s cultural landscape. While the city buzzes with classical museums and galleries, this art tour offers a fresh, diplomatic angle to art appreciation.
Whether you're an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a different kind of cultural outing in Vienna, the UN Vienna Visitors Service delivers an enriching hour that uncovers lesser-known narratives of art’s role on the world stage. With tours conducted in both English and German, it is accessible to a broad audience eager to engage with Austria’s contemporary art trends meshed with global perspectives.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels; walking is limited to indoor galleries within the UN headquarters.
Yes, booking ahead is recommended as tour spots are limited and subject to availability.
A valid official photo ID such as a passport or national ID card is required; digital copies are not accepted.
Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult and have a child’s ticket booked.
Tours are conducted in English and German.
No, the UN Vienna Visitors Service does not provide luggage storage; only small bags may be brought on the tour.
The collection is permanent, composed of works contributed by Austria and UN member states over the years.
The art collection at the Vienna International Centre was established at the complex’s opening in 1979 and reflects Austria’s postmodern art scene alongside international contributions, creating a living cultural dialogue.
The UN Vienna campus promotes sustainability by integrating environmentally friendly practices within its operations, contributing to Vienna’s reputation as a green city.
UN Vienna Visitors Service connects visitors to the Vienna International Centre, the United Nations offices in Vienna. The Visitors Service organizes a range of guided visits that showcase the complex’s architecture, international art collections, and notable exhibits such as a moon rock provided by NASA. Offerings include scheduled Public UN Vienna Tours, a Weekly Public UN Vienna Art Tour, Private UN Vienna Tours, an Extended UN Vienna Private Tour, a Private UN Vienna Art Tour, the SDG Tour or Children's Conference for school groups, the 2025 Ferienspiel Children's Tour for ages 6–10, and a Request Private Lecture Programme that pairs a two-hour visit with an expert presentation. Programs are designed for families, school groups, academic and professional delegations, and art enthusiasts. Multilingual guides lead tours and adapt content to different knowledge levels, explaining the United Nations’ work on peace, security and sustainable development, and highlighting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). School-focused sessions use interactive formats and simulations to teach diplomacy, teamwork and global citizenship. Booking options include public schedules and customizable private experiences ranging from one hour to ninety minutes or longer for extended tours and lecture programmes. The Visitors Service coordinates with UN offices and the Vienna International Centre’s collections to deliver accurate, museum-quality information. Tours emphasize education, engagement and accessibility for diverse audiences. For group leaders, teachers, researchers and visitors seeking an informative visit to the United Nations in Vienna, the UN Vienna Visitors Service provides structured, factual programs that illuminate the UN’s mission and the cultural offerings housed at the Vienna International Centre. Clear booking instructions, group rates and accessibility information are available through the Visitors Service to assist planning.
Book with UN Vienna Visitors Service