Broken Chair, Rhone Alpes Travel Guide

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A powerful symbol against landmines and war, the Broken Chair stands tall in Geneva's Place des Nations, urging peace and humanitarian action.

The Broken Chair, a towering wooden sculpture with a missing leg, stands as a powerful symbol against landmines and cluster bombs in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva. Created by Swiss artist Daniel Berset, it serves as a constant reminder of the devastating impact of war on civilians.

A brief summary to Broken Chair

Geneva, 1202, CH

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Broken Chair.

Visit the Broken Chair as part of a walking tour of the Place des Nations and the nearby United Nations Office.
Take a moment to reflect on the sculpture's message and the importance of global efforts to ban landmines and protect civilians.
Combine your visit with a trip to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, located nearby.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Broken Chair is easily accessible by public transport. From Geneva's main train station, Genève-Cornavin, take tram line 15 or bus lines 5, 8, 11, 20, 22, or 60 to the 'Nations' stop. The journey takes approximately 6-8 minutes. A single ticket costs CHF 3-4.
Walking

From the Genève-Sécheron train station, the Broken Chair is a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and walk straight on Avenue de France, then turn left onto Place des Nations. The Broken Chair will be directly in front of you.
Taxi

A taxi from Geneva's city center to the Broken Chair takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is CHF 19-23. Taxi stands are available at the train station and major hotels.

Discover more about Broken Chair

Located in the Place des Nations in Geneva, the Broken Chair is a monumental sculpture created by Swiss artist Daniel Berset. Crafted from 5.5 tons of wood and standing 12 meters (39 feet) high, the chair depicts a giant seat with one of its legs broken.Commissioned by Handicap International, the Broken Chair was unveiled in August 1997 as a symbol of opposition to landmines and cluster bombs. It was initially intended as a temporary installation to influence the signing of the Ottawa Treaty, which banned the use of anti-personnel mines. However, due to strong public support, it has remained in place for over two decades, becoming an iconic landmark of Geneva and a reminder of the human cost of war.The sculpture's broken leg represents the suffering and loss endured by victims of landmines and explosive weapons. Over the years, its message has broadened to encompass a general call for peace and an end to violence against civilians. The Broken Chair is a powerful and thought-provoking work of art that encourages reflection on the importance of humanitarian efforts and the pursuit of a world free from armed conflict.