Broken Chair (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Broken Chair?
What makes it 59% Baby-Friendly: A stroller fits easily and benches help with bottle breaks, but no on-site changing tables, shelter, or calm room exist; UN nursing rooms need security clearance, so comfort is limited.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly surface: Wide, flat plaza allows easy stroller movement right under the sculpture.
- Free entry: Both the sculpture area and Ariana Park are fully free and open to the public.
- Nearby shade: Trees and benches around the site provide shaded spots for feeding or resting.
Challenges:
- No outdoor baby facilities: The plaza has no changing tables or dedicated nursing areas without entering the Palais.
- Weather exposure: Limited shelter from rain or sun at the sculpture. You may need your own cover.
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 with baby?
- Stroller-friendly plaza under a 12 m wooden sculpture
- Shaded benches for quiet feeding or nap time
- Level paths lead from the site into Ariana Park
- Free nursing rooms inside the Palais des Nations
- All activities are free and require minimal walking
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for photos, feeding breaks, and a short stroller-friendly walk in Ariana Park.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Broken Chair
Photo under Broken Chair:
Wheel your stroller onto the flat plaza and position it under the 12 m sculpture.
Tip: Aim for soft morning light to capture the chair’s details and avoid crowds.
Rest on shaded benches:
Use the benches around Place des Nations for feeding or a nap.
Tip: Pack a small blanket to line the bench and make your baby more comfortable.
Stroll in Ariana Park:
Follow the wide, level paths through lawns and flower beds.
Tip: Bring snacks and point out flowers to keep your baby engaged during the walk.
Access nursing rooms:
Enter the E-Building, room E.3054-2 for a private nursing room with a changing table.
Tip: Call Security at +41 22 917 29 00 upon arrival to have the door opened remotely.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Broken Chair
- Combine with park visit: Plan the stroller walk to Ariana Park right after your photo break at the sculpture.
- Pre-call for nursing room: Call Palais Security at +41 22 917 29 00 to open the nursing room quickly when you arrive.
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 summer bring a stroller sunshade and water for baby. In winter dress your baby in warm, layered clothing and watch for icy patches on paths.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Broken Chair visit | CHF 0 |
| Ariana Park stroll | CHF 0 |
| Nursing room access | CHF 0 |
| Total Estimated | CHF 0 |
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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