Broken Chair — Attraction in Geneva

In the heart of Geneva, right across from the United Nations headquarters at Place des Nations, stands a monument that’s impossible to ignore — the Broken Chair. Towering 12 meters high and crafted from 5.5 tons of wood, this powerful sculpture stands tall on three legs, its fourth leg shattered — a haunting yet dignified symbol of resilience and protest.

Originally created in 1997 by Swiss artist Daniel Berset, and constructed by carpenter Louis Genève, the Broken Chair was commissioned by the NGO Handicap International. Its message is simple yet profound: to oppose the use of landmines and cluster bombs, and to honor the courage of those who live with the consequences of war.

🌍 Surrounded by flags of every nation, the sculpture looks as if it’s always mid-sentence — broken, yet upright. It doesn’t scream; it stands in silence, commanding attention with its quiet strength. It reminds every diplomat, every tourist, and every passerby of their responsibility to work toward a world where no one has to lose a limb to war.

Walking up to it, you feel a shift — from being just a tourist to being a witness. A reminder that art can be more than beautiful; it can be political, personal, and painfully real. It’s not just a chair; it’s a plea for peace, a tribute to survivors, and a reminder of the cost of conflict.

📸 Whether you’re here to snap a photo, reflect in silence, or learn the stories behind the statue, the Broken Chair leaves a mark. Not on the ground — but on the heart.

✨ If you’re ever in Geneva, don’t miss it. Let it remind you: Standing strong, even when broken, is the greatest...

Reflect at the Broken Chair – Geneva’s Symbol of Peace 🪑💔✌️

🕊️ A fractured symbol, a powerful message — Standing tall in front of the United Nations, Broken Chair is more than art. This 12-meter wooden sculpture, missing a leg, is Geneva’s bold call for peace, disarmament, and solidarity with victims of war. Created by artist Daniel Berset in 1997, it reminds us: “A world without mines is possible.”🌍✨

Why visit? ✨ Global Icon: Witness a monument that’s become a universal emblem of humanitarian action and anti-war advocacy. ✨ Proximity to the UN: Pair your visit with a tour of the Palais des Nations (UN Office) and feel the pulse of international diplomacy. ✨ Photographic Impact: Capture its stark beauty against Geneva’s skyline – a haunting contrast of fragility and resilience. ✨ Silent Protest: Reflect on its origins as a temporary installation by Handicap International, now a permanent plea for humanity.

Plan your visit: 📍 Where: Broken Chair, Place des Nations, 1202 Geneva (opposite the UN entrance). 🚋 Getting there: Tram 15 to “Nations” stop; 10 minutes from Cornavin Station. 📅 Tip: Visit during International Peace Day (Sept 21) to see tributes and events around the sculpture.

Fun fact: The chair was removed in 2005 for repairs… and public outcry brought it back stronger than ever! 💪🪑

Engagement booster: “Art 🎨 vs. Activism ✊ – does the Broken Chair speak more to your heart or your...

During my recent visit to Geneva, I had the chance to see the iconic Broken Chair sculpture at Place des Nations. This 12-meter tall wooden sculpture, with one leg dramatically shattered, serves as a powerful protest against the use of cluster bombs and landmines. 🪑💥 It stands as a poignant reminder of the devastating effects these weapons have on individuals and communities around the world.

Interestingly, during my visit, there was some renovation work being carried out on the monument. Even amidst the construction, the Broken Chair's message was loud and clear, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for peace and the elimination of such destructive weapons. 🚧🛠️

As I stood before the Broken Chair, I couldn't help but think about the ongoing wars and conflicts around the world. This sculpture not only symbolizes the fight against specific weapons but also serves as a broader call for peace and justice globally. 🌍✌️ I wish for peace to prevail everywhere, for the end of senseless violence, and for a world where such powerful symbols are no longer needed.

Located just opposite the main entrance of the United Nations building, the Broken Chair is easily accessible. You can reach it via public transportation, with bus and tram stops conveniently located at Nations. 🚋🚌 If you ever find yourself in Geneva, the Broken Chair is a must-see, offering both a visual and...