Broken Chair – Geneva

A giant chair that captivates young and old

In the Place des Nations, it's hard to miss: the Broken Chair is a twelve-meter-high wooden chair, resting on three legs, with the fourth intentionally broken. Positioned in front of the Palais des Nations, it catches the eye of children with its spectacular size and opens up a great discussion for adults about what it represents.

What your children will discover

In front of this monumental sculpture, your children will first look up, impressed by the object's dimensions. Then come the questions: why such a big chair? Why a broken leg? This is an opportunity to explain, in simple words, that the Broken Chair is a symbol of the fight against landmines and cluster bombs, and a message addressed to the countries of the world gathered in Geneva. An information plaque, placed on site, complements the narrative.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The Place des Nations is a vast open esplanade, lively, often crossed by families and visitors coming to see the flags and the Palais des Nations. People come to observe the sculpture from all angles, take a photo, enjoy the water jets of the square on sunny days, and then continue their stroll in the international district. The atmosphere is peaceful and the place can be visited freely, without tickets or schedules.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 6 years old to grasp the meaning of the monument, but the giant chair already impresses the youngest.
• Duration: a short stop of 15 to 30 minutes, to be integrated into a walk in the Nations district.
• Reservation: none, access is free and open.
• Stroller: the square is flat and fully paved, stroller access is easy.
• Transport: by tram or TPG bus to the Nations stop, just a few steps from the sculpture. Parking is limited in the international district, so public transport is preferred.
• What to bring: something to protect you from the sun in the summer, as the square is very open.
• Ideal season: all year round, the monument is permanently visible; sunny days are perfect for wandering around the square.

Parents' tips

• Take advantage of the visit to simply explain the message of peace conveyed by the chair: children often remember the story behind the object.
• Combine the stop with the discovery of the flags and the Place des Nations, or even a walk towards the lakeside.
• The water jets in the square delight the youngest on hot days: consider bringing a change of clothes.
• Early in the morning or late in the day, the light is ideal for beautiful photos at the foot of the sculpture.

Useful information

• Address: Place des Nations 1, 1202 Geneva
• Official website: broken-chair.com
• Hours: outdoor monument, visible at all times; check the official website for any additional information.
• Access: tram and TPG bus, Nations stop.

Why we recommend it

Because it's a free, easy outing filled with meaning, ideal for sparking children's curiosity while conveying a message of peace. The Broken Chair can be discovered in just a few minutes, perfectly complements a stroll in the international district of Geneva, and leaves a lasting impression.

In two words

A giant chair with a broken leg, facing the Palais des Nations: a free and striking monument, to be seen with family in the heart of Geneva.