Open Day 2026
5 July 2026 WTO (Geneva)
To mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO's headquarters (Centre William Rappard), the WTO is opening its doors to the public on Sunday 5 July 2026. Visitors are invited to explore the WTO's historic building and to discover the stories behind the rich variety of artworks donated by governments and other institutions over the years. Step inside the Centre William Rappard to find out more about the first building in Geneva specifically constructed to house an international organization. The day will also feature activities for children and the opportunity to taste cuisines from around the world. A detailed programme of activities is available below.
News
Programme
Council Room - 10:00
The opening ceremony will be held in the Council Room, the major meeting room used by WTO members.
Activities taking place throughout the day
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the rich history of the Centre William Rappard, home to the WTO headquarters. WTO staff will lead guided tours and the tours will be offered in English, French and Spanish, the three official languages of the WTO. Each guided visit will last for about 45 minutes.
Room W
Come and try what it feels like to be an interpreter at the WTO. The activity will take place in Room W, one of the WTO's largest meeting rooms, at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00.
Atrium
An exhibition tracing the evolution of the building and the institutions that have occupied it will be on display in the Atrium. Jointly organized by the WTO and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the original occupant of the building, the exhibition draws on research from the authorities of Geneva and reveals untold stories about the 100 year-old building.
Activities for our younger visitors include face painting and storytelling on the lakeside terrace.
Food and drink from around the world will be provided by members of the WTO and made available throughout the day on the lakeside terrace.
A selection of videos on the work of the WTO will be on display in one of the WTO's historic meeting rooms - Room B - throughout the day.
Live music throughout the day
A variety of WTO-branded souvenirs – ranging from postcards to key rings and watches - will be on sale all day in the WTO's Bookshop next to the Atrium.
