Friday, July 29, 2016

Touring NYC: The United Nations Headquarters (Part 1 of 2)

We recently ventured to Turtle Bay, about 10 blocks from our apartment building.  Turtle Bay (yes, there was once a knife-shaped bay along the East River before it was filled in) is the home of the United Nations Headquarters.  We took a guided tour and learned a lot.  

Below are some photos from our tour.  Enjoy.

Pop Quiz:  What was located on the 18 acres before the UNHQ was constructed there? 

The exterior of the UNHQ:

View of the UNHQ, General Assembly Building
Some random dude walking in front of the UNHQ

Nearly 200 flags line the avenue in front of the UNHQ.  192 flags representing the 192 member nations--from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe--plus some other flags.
The seal of the UN.  This  view of the world is seen from the North Pole and is used so as to avoid putting any one country at the center of the image.

Scale model of the UNHQ
View of the front lawn of the UNHQ, from inside the building.

View of the UNHQ, the Secretariat Building
View of the UNHQ's north end near 48th Street, following demolition of a temporary, low-rise office building.  The location will be restored to its original design--"the North Lawn", an expansive green space with a sculpture garden.
The U.N. Security Council Chamber: 

Panoramic view of the Security Council Chamber

View of the Security Council Chamber

Mural in the Security Council Chamber--phoenix rising from the ashes, representing the modern world following World War II

The wallpaper of the Security Council Chamber represents faith (anchor), hope (wheat) and charity (hearts)
Next up:  Part 2, artwork and the General Assembly Hall.

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