Broken Chair
A 12m wooden sculpture of a broken chair, protesting landmines and cluster bombs, standing opposite the UN.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Always impactful
Broken Chair
Best Time
Always impactful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12m wooden sculpture of a broken chair, protesting landmines and cluster bombs, standing opposite the UN.
"A haunting yet dignified symbol of resilience and protest against landmines and cluster bombs."
📸 Capture the Symbolism
Take a moment to appreciate the sculpture's message before snapping photos.
🚶♂️ Reflect on its Meaning
Consider the impact of landmines and the call for peace this art represents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monumental Sculpture
Place des Nations, Geneva
A 12-meter-high wooden chair with a broken leg, symbolizing resilience and protesting landmines.
Symbol of Protest
Opposite UN Office, Geneva
A stark visual reminder of the devastating impact of landmines and cluster bombs on civilians.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Symbolic Power
Location & Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Symbolism
Take a moment to appreciate the sculpture's message before snapping photos.
🚶♂️ Reflect on its Meaning
Consider the impact of landmines and the call for peace this art represents.
📍 Prime Location
It's right across from the UN, making it easy to combine with other Geneva sights.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Symbolism
Take a moment to appreciate the sculpture's message before snapping photos.
🚶♂️ Reflect on its Meaning
Consider the impact of landmines and the call for peace this art represents.
📍 Prime Location
It's right across from the UN, making it easy to combine with other Geneva sights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Broken Chair a profoundly moving and impactful sculpture, powerfully symbolizing the fight against landmines and the resilience of victims. Its prominent location opposite the UN makes it a poignant reminder for world leaders and a significant landmark for Geneva.
"UN is one of the most important organizations that being all nations together. It's not perfect and artist has depicted it with a broken chair! Our pursuit for that stability around the world and togetherness continues. I gave my support to the broken chair.😊"
Ravi Govil
"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 strength of all."
Travelogs
"A hub for freedom of expression! At this iconic spot, opposite the UN headquarters in Geneva, it's common to find demonstrations and protests reflecting global concerns. The Broken Chair is a powerful symbol of the fight for human rights and peace, specifically a thought-provoking art piece highlighting the issue of landmines. A place that inspires reflection and action."
Filipe Silva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Broken Chair is located at Place des Nations, directly opposite the United Nations Office in Geneva. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the international district of Geneva.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the sculpture, there are public parking garages in the vicinity of Place des Nations. However, using public transport is often recommended due to the central location and potential for traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Broken Chair is an outdoor public sculpture and is free to view at any time. There are no tickets or admission fees required.
As an outdoor sculpture, the Broken Chair is accessible 24/7. You can visit it at any time of day or night.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Broken Chair is a powerful symbol protesting the use of landmines and cluster bombs. Its broken leg represents the destruction caused by these weapons and the resilience of survivors. It serves as a constant reminder to world leaders about the human cost of conflict and the need for peace.
The sculpture was created by Swiss artist Daniel Berset and constructed by carpenter Louis Genève in 1997, commissioned by Handicap International.
While you can get close to the sculpture for photos and reflection, direct interaction or climbing on it is generally discouraged to preserve the artwork.
Yes, the Broken Chair is a popular spot for demonstrations and protests related to human rights, peace, and disarmament, given its location opposite the UN.
The sculpture stands an impressive 12 meters (39 feet) high and is made from approximately 5.5 tons of wood.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Peace Advocates & Activists
Consider visiting during significant international days related to peace or disarmament to witness potential gatherings and amplify your message. The sculpture serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve a world free from the scourge of war.
Art & Sculpture Enthusiasts
Take time to observe the craftsmanship and consider the artist's intent. It's a fantastic opportunity to engage with art that carries a profound social and political commentary, offering a different perspective on what public art can achieve.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Symbolism of the Broken Chair
Its placement directly opposite the United Nations Office in Geneva is deliberate. It serves as a constant, silent reminder to diplomats and policymakers of the human cost of armed conflict and the urgent need for peace and disarmament. The sculpture doesn't shout; it stands in quiet dignity, commanding attention and prompting reflection on responsibility and action.
Visitors often describe feeling a profound shift in perspective when standing before the Broken Chair, moving from being a mere tourist to a witness. It highlights how art can transcend aesthetics to become a powerful tool for political statement and humanitarian advocacy, leaving a lasting impression on the heart.
Art as Activism
This monumental piece has become an iconic landmark in Geneva, frequently serving as a backdrop for demonstrations and rallies. It provides a tangible representation for various advocacy groups, amplifying their messages and drawing international attention to critical humanitarian issues. The sculpture's enduring presence ensures that the call for disarmament and support for victims remains visible and resonant.
By transforming a common object into a symbol of suffering and resilience, the Broken Chair effectively communicates a complex message in a universally understandable way. It underscores the idea that even in the face of destruction, there is strength in standing firm and advocating for a better future.
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