Open Hand Monument
Overview
The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh is a towering, stainless steel sculpture designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. It is located in the Capitol Complex and serves as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Location Map
Entry Fee
Visit Timings
Things To Do
- Visit Open Hand Monument
- Visit Tower of Shadows
- Visit Geometric Hill
- Visit Martyrs Monument
- Visit High Court
- Visit Secretariat
- Visit Legislative Assembly
Overview & History
The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh, India, is a sculpture designed by the French architect and planner Le Corbusier. It is located in the Capitol Complex, a group of government buildings in the city of Chandigarh that were designed by Le Corbusier and his team.
The Open Hand Monument is one of Le Corbusier’s most famous works and is considered a symbol of the city of Chandigarh. The sculpture is made of reinforced concrete and stands 26 meters (85 feet) tall. It is supported by a series of thin steel rods and has a hand-like shape with five fingers, each of which is 7 meters (23 feet) long. The fingers are open and raised as if beckoning or welcoming.
Le Corbusier designed the Open Hand Monument as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, and it is meant to represent the city of Chandigarh as a place where people of all cultures and backgrounds can come together. The sculpture is also intended to symbolize the idea of “openness to give and receive” and is meant to encourage dialogue and understanding between people.
The Open Hand Monument was completed in 1960 and has become a popular tourist attraction in Chandigarh. It is located in the Capitol Complex, which also includes other government buildings designed by Le Corbusier and his team, including the High Court, the Secretariat, and the Legislative Assembly. The Capitol Complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016.
Timings to Visit Open Hand Monument Chandigarh
The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh is open to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. It is closed on national holidays. It is recommended to visit the monument early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and to get the best lighting for photographs.
Open Hand Monument Chandigarh Entry Fee
There is no entry fee to visit the Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh. It is a public space that is open to all visitors and tourists.
How To Reach Open Hand Monument Chandigarh?
To reach the Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh, you can take a taxi or local bus from any part of the city. The monument is located in the Capitol Complex area, which is easily accessible by public transport. If you are coming by train, you can get off at the Chandigarh railway station and take a taxi or local bus to the monument.
Alternatively, you can also hire a private car or bike to reach the Open Hand Monument. The nearest airport to the monument is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is around 15 kilometers away.
Things to do at Open Hand Monument Chandigarh
Learn about Open Hand Monument’s rich history
The Open Hand Monument is a well-known landmark located in the beautiful city of Chandigarh. It was added to the Capitol Complex in 1964 and was designed by the famous Swiss-French architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, also known as Le Corbusier, as a part of the Modernist Movement.Â
The monument represents prosperity, unity, and peace and stands at a towering 85 ft (26 m) with a weight of 100,000 lb (45,359 kg). Its unique design allows it to rotate when pushed by the wind. This iconic structure can be easily recognized by its name, which reflects its design.
Take souvenir pictures with the monument
It is a must to take pictures of the Open Hand Monument during your visit to fully experience and remember your trip. This iconic landmark would make a great addition to your vacation photos, particularly for millennials who enjoy sharing their experiences on social media. Don’t forget to pose in front of the monument and snap a photo as a souvenir.
Explore Chandigarh Capitol Complex
The Open Hand Monument is located in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh. Chandigarh Capitol Complex is a government compound located in sector 1 of Chandigarh. It was designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Â
The complex spans an area of approximately 100 acres and is a prime example of Chandigarh’s architectural style. It comprises three buildings: the Legislative Assembly (also known as the Palace of Assembly), the Secretariat Building, and the High Court, as well as four monuments: the Open Hand Monument, Geometric Hill, Tower of Shadows, and the Martyrs Monument.
So if you are visiting Chandigarh Capitol Complex, for Open Hand Monument, you can also visit the below-mentioned buildings/monuments in the Chandigarh Capitol Complex:Â
- Tower of Shadows
- Geometric Hill
- Martyrs Monument
- Â High Court
- Secretariat
- Legislative Assembly
Interesting facts Open Hand Monument Chandigarh
- The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh was designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier.
- The monument is a symbol of peace and reconciliation and stands as a reminder of the city's commitment to non-violent resolution of conflicts.
- The design of the monument is inspired by the shape of an open hand, which represents openness and willingness to communicate and coexist.
- The Open Hand Monument is made of steel and concrete and stands at a height of 26 meters (85 feet).
- The monument is located in the Capitol Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Open Hand Monument is supported by a single pivot point and can rotate 360 degrees, symbolizing the city's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- The monument is illuminated at night, making it a popular tourist attraction in Chandigarh.
- The Open Hand Monument is also a popular venue for cultural events and concerts.
- The monument was inaugurated in 1985, as part of the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of India's independence.
- The Open Hand Monument is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture and has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions.
- The Open Hand Monument is an important cultural landmark in Chandigarh and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
Cultural significance of Open Hand in Chandigarh
The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh, India is an iconic symbol of the city and has significant cultural and historical significance. It was intended to symbolize the city’s commitment to peace, unity, and reconciliation. It was constructed in the 1960s as part of Le Corbusier’s master plan for the city and has become one of the most recognizable architecture in Chandigarh.
The Open Hand Monument is a sculpture that consists of a giant hand with its palm facing upwards, as if offering or seeking something. The sculpture is made of reinforced concrete and is supported by a steel frame. It stands at a height of 26 meters (85 feet) and is visible from a distance.Â
The hand is open to the sky, symbolizing openness and the willingness to receive and give. The monument is lit at night, adding to its visual impact and making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
The Open Hand Monument has become a cultural symbol of Chandigarh and is often used as a representation of the city in various media and promotional materials.Â
It has also become a popular backdrop for photography and has been featured in many films and television shows. The monument is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see this unique and iconic symbol of the city.
Artworks of Open Hand Monument Chandigarh
Open Hand Monument Chandigarh is a symbol of peace and unity, representing the hand as an open gesture of welcoming and acceptance. The monument is made of steel and is suspended in the air, creating a dynamic and futuristic appearance.
One of the unique features of the Open Hand Monument is its ability to move and rotate, reflecting the concept of change and adaptability. The monument is also illuminated at night, adding to its visual impact.
In addition to its aesthetic value, the Open Hand Monument is also a symbol of the city of Chandigarh itself. As the first planned city in India, Chandigarh is a modern, progressive metropolis and the Open Hand Monument reflects this spirit of innovation and progress.
Open Hand Monument is a unique and significant cultural landmark that represents the values and ideals of Chandigarh and its people.
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Conservation efforts at Open Hand Monument Chandigarh
The Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh is an iconic symbol of the city. In order to preserve this monument for future generations, there have been several conservation efforts implemented. These include:
- Regular maintenance: The Open Hand Monument is regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure that it is in good condition. Any necessary repairs are carried out promptly to prevent further damage.
- Protection from weather: The monument is coated with a special protective layer to shield it from the harsh weather conditions in Chandigarh.
- Monitoring of visitor numbers: To prevent overcrowding and potential damage to the monument, the number of visitors allowed inside at any given time is carefully monitored.
- Educational programs: The Open Hand Monument is used as a teaching tool to educate visitors about its significance and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
- Collaboration with local authorities: The conservation efforts at the Open Hand Monument are carried out in collaboration with local authorities, such as the Department of Tourism and the Municipal Corporation, to ensure that the monument is properly maintained and protected.
How can Citizens help keep Open Hand Monument Chandigarh Clean and Safe?
There are several ways that citizens can help keep the Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh clean and safe:
- Properly dispose of trash: Citizens should make sure to properly dispose of their trash and not litter around the monument.
- Avoid graffiti: Graffiti can damage the monument and make it look unsightly. Citizens should refrain from graffiti and report any graffiti they see to the authorities.
- Avoid damaging the monument: Citizens should refrain from climbing or sitting on the monument, as this can cause damage.
- Report any suspicious activity: If citizens notice any suspicious activity around the monument, they should report it to the authorities to help prevent any potential harm to the monument.
- Educate others: Citizens can also educate others on the importance of keeping the monument clean and safe, and encourage others to follow the above tips.
How can Tourists help keep Open Hand Monument Chandigarh Clean and Safe?
Tourists can help keep the Open Hand Monument in Chandigarh clean and safe by:
- Disposing of trash in designated bins: Tourists should dispose of any trash they generate in the designated bins around the monument.
- Respecting the monument: Tourists should respect the monument by not climbing on it or causing any damage to it.
- Reporting any incidents: Tourists should report any incidents of littering, vandalism, or other inappropriate behavior to the authorities.
- Following the rules: Tourists should follow the rules and guidelines set by the authorities to keep the monument clean and safe.
- Educating others: Tourists can educate other visitors about the importance of keeping the monument clean and safe by sharing information about the importance of preserving the monument.
After Visiting Open Hand in Chandigarh, Where Can You Visit Next?
Here is a table that shows the distance from Open Hand in Chandigarh to various tourist attractions in Chandigarh.
Attraction | Distance (km) |
Leisure Valley | 2.1 km |
Government Museum and Art Gallery | 2.6 km |
3.1 km | |
3.5 km | |
Shanti Kunj Garden | 4.0 km |
6.3 km | |
Le Corbusier Centre | 6.5 km |
ISKCON Temple | 7.0 km |
FAQs about Open Hand in Chandigarh
The Open Hand Monument is a sculpture designed by the French architect Le Corbusier, located in the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, India.
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The Open Hand sculpture in Chandigarh serves as the emblem and symbol for the government and represents the exchange of peace and prosperity, as well as the unity of humanity. Standing at a towering 26 meters, this is the largest of Le Corbusier’s Open Hand sculptures.
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Open Hand Monument, designed by Le Corbusier, is an integral part of Chandigarh’s history and architecture.
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Chandigarh, a city located at the base of the Shivalik hills and hailed as a model of modern architecture and urban planning in India, was the brainchild of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru. It was designed by the renowned French architect, Le Corbusier. It is considered to be one of the best examples of city planning and modern architecture in the 20th century in India.
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The Open Hand sculpture is a large metal hand with an open palm, which is meant to symbolize the city’s motto of “Open to give, open to receive.
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The Open Hand monument was designed by the French architect Le Corbusier.
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The sculpture is 23 meters high and is made of steel, with the hand itself being made of aluminum.
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Yes, it is open to the public.
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The visiting hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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The Open Hand Monument is located in the Capitol Complex, Chandigarh, India.
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Guided tours are not available but visitors can see the sculpture and take pictures with it.
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