Broken Chair

Overview

Broken Chair is a 12-metre-tall wooden sculpture by Daniel Beren standing on the Place des Nations opposite the Palais des Nations. It symbolises opposition to landmines and cluster munitions.

Highlights

• Scale: 12 metres tall, carved from 5.5 tonnes of wood.
• Symbolism: The broken leg represents the destruction caused by cluster bombs.
• Location: Directly facing the UN entrance, making a powerful political statement.

History

Commissioned by Handicap International in 1997 to support the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel mines. Originally temporary, public support made it permanent.

Visitor Tips

• Photo op: Best photographed with the Palais des Nations flags in the background.
• Combine: Visit alongside Palais des Nations and the Red Cross Museum.
• Duration: 5–15 minutes.