Guided tours
Come visit the UNESCO headquarters, a modern architectural gem created by iconic 20th-century architects like Bernard Zehrfuss, Marcel Breuer, and Pier Luigi Nervi.
Step into the heart of UNESCO and discover its rich history, mission, and values. During your visit, you’ll learn about the organization’s work and global impact, gaining insight into its crucial role in education, science, culture, communication, and information.
Take a 1.5-hour tour through UNESCO’s iconic spaces, from the serene Japanese Garden by Isamu Noguchi to the peaceful meditation space designed by Tadao Ando.
Explore a stunning collection of over 1,000 works by world-renowned modern and contemporary artists, including Calder, Picasso, Giacometti, Vhils, and Mircea Cantor.
Don't miss two major annual events—Museum Night and European Heritage Days—offering free access and exciting activities for all visitors.
Book your visit
Useful information:
- For security reasons, you will be asked to send an e-mail with the surnames, first names, and dates of birth of the participants in the visit maximum 3 days before the visit. Any visitor who has not sent the information within this period will not have access to the visit.
- Groups with children : 1 adult for 12 children over 6 y.o. / 1 adult for 8 children under 6 y.o.
- To book your visit for disabled visitors, who are entitled to free admission, please contact us at : unesco@cultival.fr. The accompanying person must purchase a full fare ticket.
- Group tours can be conducted on request (unesco@cultival.fr) in the following languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Armenian and Japanese.
*Please note that UNESCO reserves the right to cancel the visit for Safety or Security matters, regarding an official visit, or an high level event on his soil. A report or a refund will be offered.
The design and architecture of UNESCO Headquarters
The UNESCO headquarters is composed of four buildings. The main building, with its Y-shaped design, was envisioned by three architects from different countries under the direction of an international committee. Nicknamed "the three-branched star," the entire building is supported by 72 concrete stilts.
The second building, affectionately called "the accordion," houses Hall I, with its pleated copper roof, where the plenary sessions of the General Conference are held. The third building is shaped like a cube. Finally, a fourth structure consists of two floors of offices dug beneath street level, surrounding six small sunken courtyards.
The architects behind the project
The design of the UNESCO Headquarters was carried out by an international team of architects:
- Marcel Breuer (France): Known for his modern and functional approach, Breuer was one of the main architects involved in the conceptualization of the Y-shaped structure.
- Bernard Zehrfuss (France): A Franco-Swiss architect, Zehrfuss contributed to the creation of the main building and its innovative support system.
- Pier Luigi Nervi (Italy): Famous for his reinforced concrete works, Nervi provided key technical solutions for the structure and stability of the complex.
These architects combined their vision to create a functional and aesthetically innovative design that reflects the principles of international cooperation promoted by UNESCO.
An international committee of five architects approved their project: Lucio Costa (Brazil), Walter Gropius (United States), Charles Le Corbusier (France), Sven Markelius (Sweden), and Ernesto Rogers (Italy). Additionally, American architect Eero Saarinen was consulted.
UNESCO’s Art Collection
The buildings, open to the public, feature a wide range of artworks. Once the architectural plans for the Fontenoy site were approved, UNESCO commissioned several renowned artists to create pieces to decorate the future headquarters. Many of these works were also meant to symbolize the peace the organization strives to foster and preserve worldwide.
Over time, additional artworks have been acquired, with several member states donating pieces to the Organization. These include works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, Erró, Alberto Giacometti, Eduardo Chillida, Henry Moore, Rufino Tamayo, and Isamu Noguchi. All of these pieces have their place in this universal museum, showcasing the diversity of artistic expression around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
UNESCO guided tours require mandatory reservations. All adult visitors must present an ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license) to enter and receive their visitor badge. Please ensure you do not carry any sharp objects to pass through security.
For security reasons, personal belongings cannot be stored at the Headquarters.
You can visit during specific public events, European Heritage Days, or Museum Night.
In these instances, you will be required to present an ID.
Location
UNESCO Headquarters is located at 7 place de Fontenoy in the heart of Paris.
UNESCO does not have parking facilities. We recommend using public transport.
- By Metro: Ségur-UNESCO, Cambronne, Ecole militaire
- By Bus: 28, 80
- Velib'Sation: n° 15009 Suffren, 140 avenue de Suffren