When the UN moved into its permanent headquarters in New York in 1952, it opened its doors to the public. Visitors from around the world could tour the headquarters and get a chance to see, hear, and feel the UN in action. Escorted by guides well-versed in the UN system and international affairs, visitors walked through corridors buzzing with diplomats and international civil servants, learned about pressing geopolitical issues, and, while seated in the General Assembly hall at the end of the tour, reflected on the existential need for international cooperation. The tour became immensely popular. Since it began 70 years ago, the UN has welcomed more than 42 million people into its headquarters—about the same number as the entire population of Uganda and a few million more than that of Canada.

This exhibit looks back on the first seventy years of the UN headquarters’ guided tours. It tells the story of the public’s experience of the headquarters, how—according to Secretary-General António Guterres—the guides have served as “​​the face and the voice of the Organisation,” and how the UN’s engagement with the public continues to be an urgent task today.

For seven decades, our multilingual tour guides have been the face and voice of the United Nations to over 42 million visitors from around the world. We celebrate their 70th anniversary and honour their vital ongoing mission to enhance understanding of the essential work of the United Nations.”

– António Guterres, UN Secretary-General