A place to sit down and talk
On Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July 2019, a bench made in the spirit of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was unveiled at the UN Headquarter in New York last summer. The bench, called "The Best Weapon" is designed by Snøhetta on commission from the Nobel Peace Center, constructed by Vestre, and Hydro has provided the aluminum.
As a symbol of diplomacy and dialogue, the peace bench pays tribute to the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their effort to bring people together in order to find effective solutions for peace. Placed right next to the famous statue of the knotted gun, Non-Violence, the new installation is titled The Best Weapon. Engraved on the installation is Nelson Mandela’s famous quote from the documentary Mandela: The Living Legend from 2003; “The best weapon is to sit down and talk.”
"To sit down and talk is by far the simplest, most important and most efficient way to create peace. We are happy to be able, together with our partners, to provide the space outside the UN Headquarter with such a tool for dialogue, that is much needed in today’s international climate, says Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center, Liv Tørres.
"We believe in using design as a tool to create lasting symbols that foster fruitful communication."
Designed as a partial circle that meets the ground at its lowest point, the gentle arc of the bench pulls those sitting on it closer together. The installation’s simple design gesture embodies an invitation to conversation.
In December, 2019, the peace bench was unveiled at The National Museum of Qatar, which is the bench's second location.
"Art and culture are vital tools for bringing people together and creating spaces for innovation and expression, and this installation is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the importance of conversation, diplomacy, and dialogue in society, whoever we are or wherever we come from," says her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Chairperson of Qatar Museums, about the peace bench.
The six and a half meter-long installation is made from anodized aluminum from Hydro. Bead-blasted and pre-distressed, the sturdy material will ensure the bench’s longevity, promoting diplomacy and dialogue for many years to come.
"We hope that the bench will encourage people to sit down and talk – not only to their friends, but more often also to strangers and adversaries. Peace requires listening and frank, candid and respectful conversations", says Liv Tørres.
Last updated: 13.02.2020
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