UN Geneva is an active knowledge hub for the international community and researchers on multilateralism and international cooperation. Consequently, its library and archives open their doors not only to UN staff and members of the diplomatic corps but to researchers, students and practitioners from all walks of life.
The Organization offers opportunities to exchange knowledge, encourages cooperation, innovation and inspires new ideas through the Library and Archives collections, events, cultural activities, and the Museum.
Library
At the UN Library & Archives Geneva, a world of knowledge awaits. This historic institution has pioneered research and international understanding since its founding in 1919 as the Library of the League of Nations.
In the library’s sky-lit reading rooms, sift through rich historical texts, articles, archives and UN resources, participate in engaging dialogues or storytelling sessions, and delve into the online resources accessible on site to the international community and researchers.
Archives
Records are information created, received, and maintained by the Organization that provide evidence of an activity, decision, or transaction. Archives are records that have been assessed as having enduring value and are no longer used for official business, which at the United Nations is usually after 20 years of the closure of the file. Archival Fonds and Collections include those from UN Geneva Archives, League of Nations, International Peace Movements, and private papers.
UN Museum
When the League of Nations was dissolved in 1946, the Palais des Nations and its other assets were transferred to the United Nations. In homage to its predecessor, in 1947, the League of Nations Museum was established to showcase most of the League's documents and artefacts. Renamed as the UN Museum Geneva in 2015, the space now highlights the history of the League of Nations and the United Nations.
The League of Nations
The United Nations has a history of more than 75 years. But the story doesn't begin there: known as the “predecessor of the United Nations”, the League of Nations (1920 – 1946) was an intergovernmental organization with the aim “to promote international cooperation and to achieve international peace and security ”.
Publications
Read key publications of the United Nations such as the UN Charter or the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our publications section also gives access to current published works of the UN Geneva, including the Office's annual report.
More from Library & Archives
Monday – Friday
8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Find more information on our virtual and on-site services on this page.
The Library & Archives is closed on weekends, UN Geneva official holidays and for the end-of-year break.
Official Holidays for 2024 at the United Nations Office at Geneva:
| Monday 1 January New Year’s Day | Thursday 1 August Swiss National Day |
| Friday 29 March Good Friday | Wednesday 25 December Christmas Day |
| Monday 1 April Easter Monday | Thursday 26 December |
| Wednesday 10 April Eid Al-Fitr | Friday 27 December |
| Monday 17 June Eid al-Adha (observed) |
Find the Library & Archives
The Library & Archives is located inside the United Nations in Geneva, in Building B of the Palais des Nations (for directions, see this map).
Visitors must enter through the Pregny Pavilion.
Tours
Guided tours of the Library, Archives and the Museum can be organized upon request, including for external visitors and groups. Visitors can request separate visits of the three services, or any combination of the visits.
Visits can be organized in several languages.