Construction of UN Headquarters

The UN Headquarters in Manhattan, built from 1949-1952, symbolizes global unity.

• Categories: News & Features / Features / Stories from the UN Archive
• Video Length: 00:02:13
• Production Date: 9 January 2025
• Asset Language: English
• Personal Subject: HARRY S. TRUMAN; CARLOS ROMULO
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS
• Subject Topical: UN HEADQUARTERS; BUILDING CONSTRUCTION; AUDIOVISUAL ARCHIVES; HISTORY
• MAMS Id: 3404398
• Parent Id: 3404398

Description

The UN Headquarters in Manhattan, built from 1949-1952, symbolizes global unity. Its cornerstone-laying ceremony marked the start of construction, with the 39-story Secretariat and other buildings representing hope for peace and cooperation, grounded in the ideals of the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

Utilizing material from the UN Audiovisual Library, this production showcases words from United States President Harry S. Truman along with little-seen footage of the construction process.