Members of the public were invited to visit IMO’s official headquarters in London on 21 and 22 September, as part of the Open House Festival.  

The Open House Festival (14 – 22 September) is a London-wide initiative that celebrates the city’s architecture, special sites and neighbourhoods, allowing people to access places which are normally off-limits to the public.    

Over 600 visitors had the chance to tour IMO’s meeting rooms and view a remarkable collection of artworks, sculptures, hangings and models that have been donated to IMO over the years. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez engaged with members of the public answering questions on topics such as the reduction of GHG emissions, attacks in the Red Sea, and IMO’s role in the protection of the oceans. See photos here.  

In a  welcome message, Mr. Dominguez said: “I truly hope you enjoy your visit to the IMO headquarters – the United Nations’ most important footprint in London. This remarkable building was specifically designed to host the IMO Secretariat and facilitate agreements among countries… We take great pride in our work.”  

IMO Headquarters  

The IMO building is located on London's Albert Embankment, overlooking the River Thames on the south bank, near Lambeth Bridge. The then Duke of Edinburgh laid its foundation stone in 1979 before its formal opening by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 17 May 1983. It was purpose-built by the UK Government to house the only UN agency to be headquartered in London.  

Highlights for visitors included:  

  • The Lone Seafarer: Greeting visitors at the main entrance was the striking statue of a lone seafarer keeping watch on the prow of a merchant ship. The seven-metre tall, ten-tonne bronze statue was designed by Michael Sandle and added to the front of the building in 2001.   

  • Meeting rooms: On the ground floor, visitors were able to explore the state-of-the art debating chamber (Main Hall) where IMO’s 176 Member States gather on a regular basis to discuss and adopt global shipping regulations on safety, security and the marine environment. Capable of accommodating more than 1000 delegates, it features facilities for simultaneous interpretation into six official languages. The building includes a further two smaller conference rooms on the first floor.  

  • Delegates’ Lounge and exhibition: The first floor of the building held an impressive, curated exhibition of model ships, from cruise liners and oil tankers to ferries and container ships, as well as rich collection of maritime memorabilia from around the world. An informational video about the IMO’s work was featured.  

  • Children’s area: A children’s area which included a giant jigsaw puzzle of the IMO logo was located on the first floor.  

  • London panorama: From the fourth-floor roof terrace, visitors were able to take in spectacular views of London along the River Thames, looking across to the Houses of Parliament on the opposite bank and beyond.    

  • Souvenir shop:  IMO branded gifts and souvenirs, including clothing, accessories, stationery, electronics and luxury gifts were available at IMO’s souvenir shop on the fourth floor.  

Visitors dropped in for self-guided tours on Saturday, 21 September and Sunday, 22 September. IMO officials were on hand on all floors to answer any questions.    

This is the fourth time IMO has taken part in the Open House Festival.