WIEN GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Inside the Vienna International Centre: a private hour among diplomacy, modernist art and a real moonrock
A one‑hour private guided visit of the United Nations complex in Vienna led by multilingual guides that covers the UN’s work, the VIC’s architecture and exhibits — including a NASA moonrock.
Inside the Vienna International Centre: a private hour among diplomacy, modernist art and a real moonrock.
Set along the Danube, the Vienna International Centre (VIC) houses a working cluster of UN agencies; a private UN Vienna tour delivers a concentrated, guided hour through the building’s modernist volumes, its public artworks and the exhibits that explain the organization’s peace, security and development work. Multilingual guides tailor the visit to groups and school classes, stopping at conference rooms, artworks and exhibits — and, for many visitors, a small but unforgettable moonrock on loan from NASA.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sustainable development, peace and the UN’s remit
The guide frames the UN’s purpose through the Sustainable Development Goals and the Vienna centre’s portfolio: work on peace and security, human rights and development, use of atoms for peace, reducing poverty through inclusive industrial development, banning nuclear testing, peaceful uses of outer space, removing legal obstacles to trade and combating drugs, crime and terrorism.
VIC architecture and fine art on display
Tours pass through the Vienna International Centre’s public spaces where the history and architecture of the complex are explained and visitors can view fine artworks on display, including an original Hundertwasser.
A working conference room — and a moonrock
Visitors usually get a chance to step into a conference room where international negotiations take place, and many younger guests are delighted by a real moonrock loaned to the UN in Vienna by NASA.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
The standard guided visit lasts about one hour and is led by a multilingual tour guide who tailors commentary to the group’s prior knowledge. Expect a brisk, informative circuit through the VIC’s exhibition areas and public spaces with stops at exhibits that illustrate the UN’s programmes, a likely look into a conference room, and close‑up views of artworks and the moonrock — all delivered in a concise, educational format for groups and school classes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and where it’s less ideal.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The standard tour takes about one hour. Group tours can be booked Monday–Friday between 9:30 and 17:00, subject to availability; the Visitors Service is closed on weekends and official UN holidays and there are no tours during the year‑end period.
A valid official identification document is required for the security check (national ID card, passport or driving licence — a paper copy or photo of the ID is not acceptable). Small bags may be carried on the tour; there is no luggage storage at the VIC.
Group tours are booked in advance and run subject to guide availability. For booking questions or requests (including language requests) contact the Visitors Service by email at tours.vienna[at]un.org.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the standard tour?
The standard UN Vienna tour takes about one hour.
When can we book a group tour?
Group tours can be booked Monday–Friday between 9:30 and 17:00, subject to availability.
In which languages is the tour offered?
Group tours can be requested in many languages including Arabic, Chinese, Czech, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Spanish and Turkish, subject to the availability of guides.
Do I need identification to enter the VIC?
Yes — you must pass a security check requiring a valid official identification document (national ID card, passport or driving licence); paper copies or photos of the ID are not acceptable.
Will we see a moonrock on the tour?
Many tours include a stop to view a real moonrock on loan to the UN in Vienna from NASA.
Are there resources for teachers?
Teachers visiting with a school group receive a free printed reference guide to online teaching resources at the end of the tour.