July 28, 2008
Security Council drops off U.N. tour for fire safety fears
Starting Friday, the United Nations will start truncating its tours to placate NY City officials’ concerns that the iconic structure’s turned into a firetrap, the Sun reports today.
The new tour route kicks in August 1, and the U.N. warns “that due to renovations of the complex, as of 1 August 2008, visitors will no longer be allowed to access the Conference building, which includes the Security Council Chamber.”
However, even up until now visitors haven’t been guaranteed a glimpse of any rooms where meetings were in session. (U.N. events calendar.) The only way to be fairly certain was to visit on a weekend when there was no international crisis. But earlier this year, the U.N. permanently stopped offering tours on the weekends.
The United Nations recently broke ground on its $2 billion renovation project, hoping to bring its asbestos-laden headquarters — which is in international territory — closer to the building and fire codes observed by the people across the street.
The U.N. visitor’s entrance is located on First Avenue at 46th Street, map, and you must go through the airport-style security tent, even if you’re just going for lunch at the Delegates’ Dining Room.
Current tour prices:
Adults - $13.50
Seniors - $9
Students - $9
Children (5-14) - $7.50
Earlier:
United Nations renovation begins; projected completion: 2013
Schoolkids may be banned from U.N. ‘firetrap’ tours
United Nations called ‘firetrap’ for safety lapses
Fire safety keeping Statue of Liberty’s top closed
July 28, 2008 11:40 AM in Architecture, Midtown, Sightsology, Tours
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