New York United Nations

The most important complex of buildings in the world are located in mid-town Manhattan, in the heart of New York City, just overlooking the East River. This is the location of the United Nations Headquarters, where the heads of state from 192 countries, including the United States, meet to discuss world policy. Flags from all of the member nations surround the building, placed in alphabetical order.

The United Nations began in 1945, after World War II, and replaced the defunct "League of Nations." The purpose of this organization was to, very simply put, have a place where all could meet in safety to discuss their differences and avoid future wars. Although there are offices in other countries, New York City is the headquarters of the United Nations.

Although the United Nation Headquarters is located on U.S. soil, it does not belong to the United States, but to all of the member nations. The headquarters offer the protection to those from other nations similar to that of an embassy. It is a place where even the heads of states of enemy countries are guaranteed safety. It is considered international territory.

Protests on the grounds of the United Nations Headquarters are prohibited. Although some protests have taken place near the complex in recent years, the area surrounding the building is secure and far enough away from any parks that can accommodate large groups.

Obviously, the United Nations Headquarters has always implemented extreme security measures. These measures were increased after the attacks on September 11, 2001. However, several areas of the monument to the hope of world peace are open to the public for guided tours. The tours are open to people from all nations and are conducted in over 30 different languages. Approximately 37 million people have toured the United Nations Headquarters since it opened in 1952, and currently receives about one million visitors a year.

Tours through the United Nations Headquarters are conducted every half hour, seven days a week during normal business working hours. The tours are closed on weekends during the months of January and February, during several holidays and during the General Administrative sessions each year. In emergency situations, when heads of state are called to counsel, the building is closed to the public for security reasons.

The guided tours last about a half an hour and explain the history of the United Nations as well as current policies and procedures. Visitors can see the rooms where delegates of member nations meet in conference. The tours are open to all persons age 6 and older.

In addition to taking the guided tour, visitors often enjoy seeing exhibits from various nations in the lobby. Unlike the guided tours, the lobby is open to the public and admission is free. Exhibits include photographs, sculptures and art work from different nations.

On the grounds surrounding the United Nations Headquarters are various outdoor sculptures and beautiful landscaped gardens. The United Nations is noted for having a vast collection of artwork, including the "Let Us Beat Swords into Plowshares," an outdoor sculpture presented by what was once the Soviet Union. A piece of the Berlin Wall can be viewed in the gardens.

Visitors to New York City will want to see this historic landmark; home to all nations in the hopes of attaining world peace.

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