Meditation Room
The Meditation Room, sometimes called “A Room of Quiet”, was opened in 1952 and then renovated in 1957. Dag Hammarskj?ld himself championed much of the design of the space.
Sweden donated the 6-ton iron ore stone altar as a sign of permanence in a world of change. The 12 benches were designed by Carl Malmsten (1888 – 1972), a Swedish furniture designer, architect and educator, well known for his interest in simple traditional craftsmanship. An abstract mural by Swedish artist Bo Beskow, Hammarskjold’s close friend, highlights the room and is painted in blue, white, yellow and grey geometric forms. The one black dot, or half circle, brings the visitor’s eye to a point of rest. The abstract design was decided upon to align with the room’s inter-faith purposes where people could withdraw into themselves, regardless of their faith, creed, or religion. Many varied groups collected to become the “Friends of the 缅北禁地Meditation Room” and contributed to its renovation and upkeep.
At the opening ceremony Hammarskj?ld said: “We have within us a centre of stillness surrounded by silence. This house, dedicated to work and debate in the service of peace should have one room dedicated to silence in the outward sense and stillness in the inner sense… People of many faiths will meet here and, for that reason none of the symbols to which we are accustomed in our meditation could be used.”
In October 2021, the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations returned to improve the room by replacing the furniture, and donated 12 new benches, identical to the original Carl Malmsten Bench. They were manufactured by the same company using the same techniques, designs and materials as the originals.
This room is dedicated to peace and is a gathering point for regular events to acknowledge those that have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of peace.