Broken Chair (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Broken Chair?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Kids are wowed by the 12-m chair and can learn about land-mine victims, paths are flat for scooters, yet busy roads, no toilets, shade, or play gear mean you will leave after a quick look.
Positives:
- Free entry: No ticket required; ideal for budget-conscious families.
- Stroller-friendly plaza: Flat, wide pathways let you wheel a stroller right under the sculpture.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: The square has few shaded spots; bring hats or umbrellas on sunny days.
- Weather exposure: No shelter from rain or wind; check the forecast before visiting.
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 kids?
- Free and easy stop to spark kids’ curiosity
- Giant scale perfect for memorable family photos
- Educational moment to discuss landmines in simple terms
- Close to Ariana Park for picnic and playground fun
- Nearby Mouette boats add a fun lakeside ride
Recommended visit duration: 10-30 minutes
Why 10-30 minutes visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time to admire the sculpture, take family photos, and explain its message without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Broken Chair
Family photo at the sculpture:
Gather under the 12 m-high Broken Chair and snap a family portrait.
Tip: Stand facing the Palais des Nations, use the chair’s scale to show its size, and let children pose on the seat.
Explain the message:
Talk with your kids about why the chair has one broken leg and what landmines are.
Tip: Use simple words and ask questions like “Why do you think one leg is missing?” to engage them.
Scavenger hunt stop:
Download a free Geneva scavenger-hunt sheet that includes Broken Chair.
Tip: Print the list before visiting. Let kids tick off sights to keep them focused and excited.
Picnic at Ariana Park:
Walk to nearby Ariana Park for open lawns and playgrounds.
Tip: Pack snacks and bring a lightweight blanket. Watch for peacocks near the pond.
Mouette boat ride:
Catch a yellow-green water bus across Lake Geneva.
Tip: Board at the UN stop. Buy tickets before boarding; kids under 6 ride free.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Broken Chair
- Visit early: Go before 11 AM to avoid crowds and capture soft morning light for photos.
- Combine with UN tour: Book a short guided tour of the Palais des Nations afterward for a fuller experience.
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)?
Summer afternoons can be sunny with little shade—bring hats and sunscreen. In winter, the open square can be windy, so dress in layers.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Broken Chair visit | CHF 0 |
| Mouette boat ride (2 adults + 1 child) | CHF 9 |
| Picnic snacks | CHF 15 |
| Total Estimated | CHF 24 |
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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