Director-General's remarks at the Reopening Ceremony of the Celestial Sphere

Reopening Ceremony of the Celestial Sphere
Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 4.00 p.m.
Cour d’Honneur

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear colleagues,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais des Nations for the reopening ceremony of the Celestial Sphere — also known as the Woodrow Wilson Memorial.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to the restoration of this important landmark, particularly the Facilities Management Section of the Division of Administration, as well as the partners and experts whose commitment and support made this achievement possible.

The Celestial Sphere was installed here at the Palais des Nations in early September 1939 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the League of Nations and its work for peace. However, only days before its planned inauguration, the Second World War began, and the ceremony never took place. In addition, its rotating mechanism was idled during the Second World War and never functioned properly again.  Today’s reopening therefore carries special historical resonance.

Conceived as a tribute to Woodrow Wilson and to the ideals of international cooperation, the Sphere was originally made possible through a donation from the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. It stands as an early example of the commitment of private actors to the cause of peace and multilateralism — a commitment that was reaffirmed today as the restoration itself was made possible through the generosity of a private donor.

Designed by the renowned American sculptor Paul H. Manship, a leading figure of the Art Deco period, this monumental work — measuring over four metres in diameter — combines mythology, astronomy and symbolism in a way that continues to inspire reflection nearly a century later. Created in the United States and cast in Florence, it is itself a product of international collaboration.

Positioned at the heart of the Palais des Nations, it has become a symbol of international cooperation and one of the most recognizable landmarks of International Geneva — familiar to delegates, visitors and generations of people who have passed through this institution.

Even the placement of the North Star was designed in reference to the sky above Geneva — a subtle reminder of the close connection between this monument and its surroundings.

The restoration has returned the monument to its original brilliance. Most notably, the Sphere now rotates once again — restoring an important part of the artist’s original vision.

In addition, a new urban wetland now surrounds the celestial sphere, strengthening the biodiversity and ecological vitality of Ariana Park. It will provide a protected habitat for local biodiversity.

On the screens beside us, archival images from the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva illustrate the history of the Celestial Sphere over the decades and the importance of preserving the heritage of the Palais des Nations

Ladies and gentlemen,

Here in Geneva — a global centre of multilateralism and dialogue — the Palais des Nations stands as more than just a building. It is a place where differences are confronted through dialogue, where conflicts are addressed through cooperation and where the search for peace continues — day after day.

At a time when international cooperation continues to face profound challenges, this monument speaks to us with renewed clarity. It reminds us that even when history is disrupted, the ideals of peace persist. That even when progress is interrupted, it can begin again. And that what was once left unfinished can, through commitment and resolve, be restored.

The Sphere endured. And so too must our commitment to multilateralism.

May the Celestial Sphere continue to inspire future generations as a symbol of dialogue, cooperation and peace.

Thank you.