House of Parliaments in Geneva combines modernity and tradition

For over a century, the Inter-Parliamentary Union has had a strong connection with Switzerland, culminating in its move to the Grand-Saconnex district of Geneva in 2002. IPU Headquarters, known as the House of Parliaments, displays a distinctive architectural blend of modernity and tradition.

The building, originally commissioned in 1908 as Villa Gardiol by Jean-Jaques Gardiol, was intended as a summer house. Designed by Swiss architect Marc Camoletti, famous for designing the Musée d’art et d’histoire in Geneva, the villa is architecturally distinctive, featuring a unique Germanic roof with truncated corners, a style reflecting Swiss classicism that stands out from the local Geneva styles.

Villa Gardiol has a rich history, with its ownership remaining in the Gardiol family until 1996, when the last tenant, Aline Flach, passed away. According to local folklore, the Italian dictator Mussolini was among the workers who helped build the villa.

When the IPU acquired the building, extensive renovations were undertaken with the support of the Swiss authorities. Works modernized the villa while preserving its historical charm, guided by a special conservation board with strict guidelines. Lausanne-based architects Ueli Brauen and Doris Waelchli oversaw the renovation, which included connecting the old building to a new, modern split-level annex housing meeting rooms, a library and other facilities. The project was more costly than initially estimated, requiring additional funding from various parliaments, including those of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland. The Iranian Parliament also contributed, donating a spectacular carpet that still adorns the entrance hall.

The IPU’s headquarters have been in use since January 2003 and symbolize a blend of modernity and tradition. The site also includes the IPU Archive Centre, restored with the support of the French Parliament and named after Frédéric Passy, a co-founder of the IPU and the first Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Historical note

Founded in Paris in 1889, the IPU had its headquarters at several locations before settling permanently in Geneva in 1921. The current Headquarters, located at 5, chemin du Pommier, Le Grand-Saconnex, has been in use since January 2003. The IPU's legal status in Switzerland is governed by a headquarters agreement signed with the Swiss authorities in 1971, aligning it closely with that of the United Nations.