The Open Hand Monument — Attraction in Chandigarh

The Open Hand Monument is a symbolic structure designed by the architect Le Corbusier and located in the Capitol Complex of the Indian city and union territory of Chandigarh. It is the emblem and symbol of the Government of Chandigarh and symbolizes "the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind". The largest example of Le Corbusier's many Open Hand sculptures, it stands 26 metres (85 ft) high. The metal structure with vanes is 14 metres (46 ft) high, weighs 50 short tons (100,000 lb), and was designed to rotate in the wind.The Open Hand (La Main Ouverte) in Chandigarh is a frequent theme in Le Corbusier's architecture, a symbol for him of "peace and reconciliation. It is open to give and open to receive". Le Corbusier also stated that it was a recurring idea that conveyed the "Second Machine Age".The Open Hand is located in Sector 1 in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh, on the backdrop of the Himalayan Shivalik hill range. Le Corbusier thought of the Open Hand Monument first in 1948,"spontaneously, or more exactly, as a result of reflections and spiritual struggles arising from feelings of anguish and disharmony which separate mankind and so often create enemies".His passion for the hand had an important role in his career beginning from the age of seventeen-and-a-half when he picked up a brick, a gesture which led to millions of bricks being laid in later years.[8] Jane Drew felt that the symbol of Le Corbusier's philosophy should be made evident to the people of Chandigarh. Le Corbusier then perceived it as a sculptural monument to be erected in Chandigarh, the city he is credited with planning, designing, and implementing. One of his associates, Jerzy Soltan, a member of his atelier, had deliberated with him as to the type of hand to be made – whether an open hand or a fist holding a fighting device. The Open Hand became a public project rather than a private symbol when Le Corbusier planned it for the city of Chandigarh, where his associate and cousin Pierre Jeanneret was then working as chief architect and town planning advisor to the Government of Punjab, and was supervising the construction of Chandigarh. In case his preference for Chandigarh to erect the sculpture was not accepted, he had thought of an alternate location: the top of the Bhakra Dam, the 220 metres (720 ft) high dam in Nangal in Punjab.[8] He had planned to erect the Open Hand against the scenic background of the Himalayas. He called the location he had selected the "Pit of Contemplation" (Fosse de la Consideration). The design was a huge elevated object (a wind vane), which was an "inspirational symbol of humanity unarmed, fearless, and spiritually receptive". Le Corbusier had discussed this project with the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru when he had visited India in 1951. He had also written to Nehru, saying that since 1948 he had been obsessed with this symbol of the Open Hand which he wished to erect at the end of the capital (Chandigarh) in the foreground of the Himalayas. Nehru had concurred with the concept.In his letter to Nehru, Le Corbusier expressed a view that it could also become a symbol of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM), an idea that Nehru mooted although ultimately it was not adopted for NAM. Later, for Le Corbusier, the project had remained linked with Nehru, and on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Nehru's birth in 1964, he was invited to submit something for a "celebratory volume". Le Corbusier forthwith sketched his concept of the Open Hand, for it was his recurring dream which had obsessed him for six years (prior to 1954). In the sketch, he conceived the Open Hand as a 26 metres (85 ft) high sculpture which would rotate with the wind and would shine with colours such as yellow, red, green, and white in the foreground of the mountain range.Above the sketch he inscribed, "La Fin d'un monde" (The End...

Open Hand Monument, Chandigarh

The Open Hand Monument is a symbolic structure located in the Indian Union Territory of Chandigarh, India, designed by the architect Le Corbusier. It is the emblem or symbol of the Government of Chandigarh and symbolizes "the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind".

The largest example of Le Corbusier's many Open Hand sculptures,it stands 26 metres (85 ft) high. The metal structure with vanes is 14 metres (46 ft) high, weighs 50 short tons (100,000 lb), and was designed to rotate in the wind.

The Open Hand (La Main Ouverte) in Chandigarh is a frequent theme in Le Corbusier's architecture, a symbol for him of "peace and reconciliation. It is open to give and open to receive". Le Corbusier also stated that it was a recurring idea that conveyed the "Second Machine Age"

Open Hand is located in Sector 1 in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh, in the backdrop of the Himalayan hill range of the Shivalik Mountains.

Le Corbusier thought of the Open Hand Monument first in 1948, as "spontaneously, or more exactly, as a result of reflections and spiritual struggles arising from feelings of anguish and disharmony which separate mankind and so often create enemies".His passion for the hand had an important role in his career beginning from the age of seventeen and half, when he picked a brick with his hand which had led to millions of brick laying in later years. Jane Drew felt that the symbol of Le Corbusier's philosophy should be made evident to the people of Chandigarh. Le Corbusier then perceived it as a sculptural monument to be erected in Chandigarh, the city he is credited with planning, designing, and implementing. One of his associates, Jerzy Soltan,s a member of his atelier, had deliberated with him as to the type of hand to be made – whether an open hand or a fist holding a fighting device.

The Open Hand became a public project rather than a private symbol when Le Corbusier planned it for the city of Chandigarh, where his associate and cousin Pierre Jeanneret was then working as chief architect and town planning advisor to the Government of Punjab, and was supervising the construction of Chandigarh.

The design was a huge elevated object (a wind vane), which was an "inspirational symbol of humanity unarmed, fearless, and spiritually receptive".

Le Corbusier had discussed this project with the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru when he had visited India in 1951. He had also written to Nehru, saying that since 1948 he had been obsessed with this symbol of the Open Hand which he wished to erect at the end of the capital (Chandigarh) in the foreground of the Himalayas. Nehru had concurred with the concept.

In the sketch, he conceived the Open Hand as a 26 metres (85 ft) high sculpture which would rotate with the wind and would shine with colours such as yellow, red, green, and white in the foreground of the mountain range. Above the sketch he inscribed, "La Fin d'un monde" (The End of a World).

The Open Hand sculpture is 26 metres (85 ft) high above a trench of 12.5 by 9 metres (41 ft × 30 ft).The metal wind vane, which is erected over a concrete platform, is 14 metres (46 ft) in height and weighs 50 tons; it appears like a flying bird.The sculpture was hand-cast in sheet metal at the Bhakra Nangal Management Board's workshop at Nangal. The surface of the vane is covered with polished steel and is fitted over a steel shaft with ball bearings to facilitate free rotation by the wind.

It is also meant to convey a message of peace "open to receive."

Photos by Viswas Menon © Viswas Menon Write up compiled by...

An Architectural Masterpiece – A Symbol of Peace, Friendship, and Ingenious Engineering

This structure is truly an architectural marvel, designed by a renowned French architect who envisioned a masterpiece that not only embodies beauty but also represents peace, friendship, and safety. The structure carries deep symbolic significance, serving as a testament to the harmonious relationship between design, balance, and engineering excellence.

A Structure Inspired by Nature

One of the most captivating aspects of this monument is its unique and elegant design, which resembles a bird in flight. The flowing contours and dynamic form give the impression of a creature soaring gracefully through the sky. This artistic interpretation adds to the monument’s charm, making it more than just an architectural wonder—it is also a symbol of freedom and movement, embodying the spirit of peace and unity.

Engineering Brilliance: The 360° Rotation

Beyond its visual appeal, what truly sets this structure apart is its incredible engineering feat. Despite weighing an astonishing 50 tons, it is designed in such a way that it can rotate a full 360° with ease. This ability to rotate so effortlessly is a remarkable example of architectural precision and mechanical ingenuity. The secret behind this smooth movement lies in its perfectly balanced weight distribution. The architect meticulously calculated and implemented a design that ensures stability and equilibrium, allowing the massive structure to rotate seamlessly without any external force. This level of craftsmanship is a rare achievement in the world of architecture and highlights the brilliance of the designer.

A UNESCO-Recognized Heritage Site in Chandigarh

This architectural wonder is located in Chandigarh, a city known for its modernist and innovative urban planning. Due to its historical and cultural significance, this site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its legacy for future generations. The monument’s recognition by UNESCO is a testament to its architectural excellence and global importance.

A Site of Multiple Architectural Wonders

Beyond this stunning structure, the site also houses five additional monuments, each with its own unique architectural style and historical value. These monuments, designed with the same level of ingenuity and artistic brilliance, make this site a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts, historians, and travelers alike. Exploring these monuments offers a deeper understanding of the architectural vision that shaped this extraordinary site, and each one tells its own story through its design, form, and symbolic meaning.

A Must-Visit Destination for Architecture and History Enthusiasts

For anyone interested in architecture, engineering, or history, this site is an absolute must-visit. It not only showcases a fusion of art and science but also serves as a reminder of how brilliant architectural design can defy limitations. The ability to blend aesthetics with functionality while maintaining a deep cultural and symbolic essence makes this structure a true masterpiece.

Whether you are an architecture lover, a history buff, or simply a traveler looking to witness something extraordinary, this monument and its surrounding wonders offer an unforgettable experience. It stands as a symbol of innovation, harmony, and architectural brilliance, leaving visitors in awe of its...