Visit the United Nations
The World of Art at the UN Vienna
The Vienna International Centre has opened its doors to art lovers to allow them to enjoy the diverse collection of art work from around the world housed in the VIC. The art collection was started by the host country Austria and has since had works donated by various Member States.
Visitors can come and see a Hundertwasser tapestry, Nitsch's famous Viennese Action Art, sculptures from Alfred Hrdlicka and Edwina Sandys who is Winston Churchill's granddaughter; a diplomatic passport from the times of Genghis Kan and many more.
Art in the Vienna International Centre is special due to its unique mix of artistic styles, forms of expressions and cultural traditions of the artists. All the pieces coexist in an environment as diverse as the art itself. Looking at the interplay of the static art and lively international world of the United Nations one starts to truly appreciate the world of art in the Vienna International Centre.
These works are windows to the world which serve to remind us all not only of what the peoples of this world have endured but also their hopes for the future. The collection at the United Nations reminds us of how far we have come and how far we have to go to realize the dream of world peace.
Perhaps a work of art is the greatest symbol of the human spirit. Art is universal, it survives the human condition, it is created by all types of peoples in times of peace as well as in times of trouble. Art continues to transcend barriers, using its own vocabulary, which has over the centuries helped to bridge the gap between the peoples of the world. Intrinsically art is noble in spirit and remains, long after its creation, a legacy or living heritage.
The Art collection at the UN Vienna offers visitors the opportunity to turn their attention away from mass art collections and encourages them to consider, in the spirit of diplomacy, the artistic variety of our world. As Marcel Proust said, "only through art can we get outside ourselves and know another"s view of the universe".
These works are windows to the world which serve to remind us all not only of what the peoples of this world have endured but also their hopes for the future. The collection at the United Nations reminds us of how far we have come and how far we have to go to realize the dream of world peace.
Perhaps a work of art is the greatest symbol of the human spirit. Art is universal, it survives the human condition, it is created by all types of peoples in times of peace as well as in times of trouble. Art continues to transcend barriers, using its own vocabulary, which has over the centuries helped to bridge the gap between the peoples of the world. Intrinsically art is noble in spirit and remains, long after its creation, a legacy or living heritage.
Visitors Service
Vienna International Centre,
P.O. Box 500,
A-1400 Vienna
Tel: (+43-1) 26060-3328
E-mail: Tours@unvienna.org