The United Nations (UN) was created during a time when the world's nations aspired to work together to bring about peace. The UN's world headquarters is in, but not of, New York City: It is an 18-acre international zone belonging to its member nations.
Visitors may become startled during a tour of the United Nations when they realize they are in what is tantamount to a separate nation-state with its own fire department and post office. UN headquarters is often thought of as the striking glass building on the East River -- the high-rise visible in movies and on the news. The complex actually combines four major buildings. Three were completed in 1952: the 39-floor Secretariat building, the General Assembly building, and the Conference building. In 1961, the Dag Hammarskjold Library was added.
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The General Assembly Hall, where representatives of the UN's 191 member nations meet, is the headquarters' largest room, seating more than 1,800. A subdued space, it features the UN emblem (a surprising rarity inside the complex) and abstract murals designed by French artist Fernand Leger.
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