A popular tourist attraction in New York City
since the early 1950s when it was constructed, the United Nations
Headquarters comprises 18 acres and sits along the eastern shores
of Manhattan. This site of numerous decisions formulated by the
United Nations that have affected millions of individuals across
the world is an admired landmark that draws many to its historic
halls. Four different buildings make up the complex including the
General Assembly, the Secretariat Tower, the Dag Hammarskjold Library,
and the Conference Building.
Many international topics are debated
here every year in this place that has been designated as an international
territory. Important officials from many cultures, races, and nationalities
have spent hours within these walls discussing and making decisions
upon important global topics.
The United Nations Office of Public
Information provides tours of the facility guided by their trained
staff, known as Ambassadors to the public. Each tour takes visitors
to the different council rooms within the buildings beginning with
the Security Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the Economic
and Social Council.
Each tour guide is well versed in
the finer details of each council including their relationship to
other agencies within the United Nations Buildings. Next, the tour
visits many of the exhibits showcasing the achievements of the United
Nations up to the current time. A visit to the onsite art gallery
featuring the works of member nations including mosaics, tapestries,
sculptures, and murals is next. These Ambassadors to the public
attempt to keep the tours interesting as well as educational.
Although the United Nations is closed
on specific major holidays, the tours operate on a seven-day basis.
Tours leave the point of origin every thirty minutes and last for
approximately 45 minutes. At the end of the tour, visitors can visit
the gift shop to purchase souvenirs, the postal shop to purchase
stamps, or the coffee shop for a bite to eat.- Susan M. Keenan
