Broken Chair (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Broken Chair?
What makes it 77% Couple-Friendly: Pairs get an iconic photo and can stroll to nearby Ariana Park for a quiet chat, yet the stop itself is brief and lacks cafés, shade, or evening lighting that would lengthen a romantic stay.
Positives:
- Free access: Broken Chair and the plaza are open 24/7 with no entry fee.
- Conversation starter: The sculpture’s story sparks meaningful discussion on peace and landmines.
Challenges:
- No on-site facilities: There are no restrooms or cafes at Place des Nations—plan ahead.
- Windy plaza: The open space can be windy; bring a light jacket on cooler days.
What is Broken Chair?
- A 12-meter-high wooden chair sculpture missing one leg, positioned on the Place des Nations before the United Nations Office in Geneva
- Commissioned in 1997 by Handicap International to protest the use of landmines and cluster munitions
- Serving as a powerful symbol of the human impact of explosive weapons and the global campaign for their ban
What is so special about Broken Chair for couple trip?
- Iconic 12 m wooden chair symbolizing landmine victims
- Free to visit and ideal for reflective conversations
- Photogenic backdrop facing the UN with park nearby
- Easy to combine with guided UN tour and picnic in Ariana Park
Recommended visit duration: 10–30 minutes
Why 10–30 minutes visit duration is ideal for couple trip: This gives you time to view the sculpture, discuss its symbolism, and explore the nearby park.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Broken Chair
Photo & Reflection:
Stand beneath the 12 m-high chair facing the Palais des Nations to admire its single broken leg symbolism.
Tip: Visit in soft morning light to capture dramatic shadows and discuss its peace message.
Join Free Walk Geneva tour:
Two-hour tip-based walk from Tour de l’Île that stops at Broken Chair and Palais des Nations.
Tip: Arrive by 10:45 AM at Place Bel-Air; carry small tips for the guide.
Picnic at Ariana Park:
Walk behind the Palais des Nations to green lawns and flower beds for a quiet snack.
Tip: Pack local cheese, bread, and fruit; bring a blanket and sit under the chestnut trees.
Guided Palais des Nations tour:
One-hour paid tour of UN chambers ending with a stroll in Ariana Park.
Tip: Book online 1–3 months ahead and bring ID for security screening.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Broken Chair
- Combine visits: Pair the sculpture stop with a Palais des Nations tour to maximize your time.
- Public transport: Use tram 15 to Nations or bus 8 to Pregny for direct access with a single ticket.
Reviews of Broken Chair
Prabesh Banjara
I have visited the Broken Chair in Geneva several times, and every visit feels meaningful and emotional. This place is not just a monument—it carries a powerful message for humanity. The Broken Chair stands as a symbol of peace, resilience, and the strong message of no more war. When you stand in front of it, you naturally stop and think about the impact of war on innocent lives, especially civil...
nassim salam
The Broken Chair is a symbolic cultural landmark erected in the United Nations Square in Geneva. It was designed by Swiss artist Daniel Berset and carpenter Louis Genève to symbolize the dangers of landmines, cluster bombs, and wars to humanity, and the permanent injuries and disabilities they cause. The chair weighs 5.5 tons and is 12 meters long.
Seap Traders
The Broken Chair sculpture stands in Place des Nations, right in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland — 1202 Geneva. It’s a free public landmark and great for a photo stop Bus # 8 from the Cornavin bus stop toward OMS/Appia / Nations — get off at Nations. Bus # 11 and Bus 20 can also take you close, stopping at Nations or nearby stops. Travel time: only ~6–10 minutes from Cor...
A Lui
Symbolising the opposition of land mines used in war, the 12 meter tall chair structure missing a leg illustrates the harrowing effects of conflict, and is worth a visit to all who shall pass the amazing city of Geneva. Adjacent to the chair is the UN Geneva headquarters’ alley of flags, which you should also pay a visit.
Justus Wanyoike
The water display on a hot day is a good cooling tool. Am still to fully grasp the concept of the broken chair though. Luckily on this day there were not so many people and we could take pictures and videos with fewer photo bombers. 😎
When is the best time to visit Broken Chair (Geneva, Switzerland)?
In spring, Ariana Park blooms with tulips—perfect for a photo picnic. In winter, visit at sunrise for crisp light and an empty plaza.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tip for walking tour (2) | CHF 20 |
| Picnic supplies | CHF 20 |
| Palais des Nations tour (2) | CHF 50 |
| Total Estimated | CHF 90 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Broken Chair
Address: 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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About Broken Chair
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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