- “Roots of Peace” is a 1960 mural by Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, running roughly 530 feet through an underground tunnel at the OAS in Washington.
- The work explores themes including tolerance, respect for liberties, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.
- Public access is offered by limited, scheduled tours arranged in advance and subject to security screening.
The Big Picture
The Organization of American States is offering guided, limited-access tours of “Roots of Peace,” the underground mural by Carlos Páez Vilaró that links OAS buildings beneath 17th and 18th Streets NW. The first stop for prospective visitors is the OAS tour listing for the mural, which explains the work’s scale—nearly the length of the Washington Monument laid on its side—and outlines how the tours operate: OAS Roots of Peace Mural Tours.
What’s New
Public access, once mainly reserved for staff and delegates, is now available through scheduled tours. Times and capacity remain limited and can change based on security and building operations, according to the Organization of American States. Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for screening on arrival.
What They’re Saying
Context
Painted in 1960, “Roots of Peace” extends for about 530 feet through a pedestrian tunnel connecting the OAS main building and its annex. The imagery reflects inter-American ideals, with thematic sections referencing technical cooperation, cultural exchange, and respect for liberties, among others, according to OAS materials. The mural was refreshed by the artist in 1975 and later restored by conservator Roberto Arce in 2001–2002; OAS officials note he returned in 2019 for additional conservation work.
What’s Next
Those interested in visiting should request a spot on an upcoming guided tour and confirm instructions before arriving, according to the OAS. Availability is limited, screenings are required, and schedules may be adjusted based on institutional needs.
The Bottom Line
“Roots of Peace” remains a rare, large-scale example of midcentury Latin American muralism in the United States—accessible to the public on a limited basis and maintained through ongoing conservation, according to the Organization of American States.
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