Photo © Chandigarh Tourism

The Open Hand Monument

Description

The symbolic structure is located in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh. It is also the emblem of the Government of Chandigarh and symbolizes Le Corbusier's philosophy, "the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind". Le Corbusier also stated that it was a recurring idea that conveyed the "Second Machine Age". The largest example of Le Corbusier's many Open Hand sculptures, and was designed to rotate in the wind.

Installed, 1964

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The Open Hand, or La Main Ouverte, in Chandigarh is a frequent theme in Le Corbusier's architecture, a symbol for him of "peace and reconciliation. It is open to give and open to receive".

Le Corbusier had discussed this project with the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru when he had visited India in 1951. He had also written to Nehru, saying that since 1948 he had been obsessed with this symbol of the Open Hand which he wished to erect at the end of Chandigarh in the foreground of the Himalayas.

Jane Drew felt that the symbol of Le Corbusier's philosophy should be made evident to the people of Chandigarh. Le Corbusier then perceived it as a sculptural monument to be erected in Chandigarh, the city he is credited with planning, designing, and implementing.

Le Corbusier thought of the Open Hand Monument first in 1948, "spontaneously, or more exactly, as a result of reflections and spiritual struggles arising from feelings of anguish and disharmony which separate mankind and so often create enemies".

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