You may well walk right past without realising, but this sculpture is staring you in the face in one of Geneva’s busiest squares. Just one of a whole panoply of equally interactive and intriguing pieces by Swiss sculptor Markus Raetz, this work was designed especially for the spot which it currently occupies.

Begin at the south-western corner of the square, on the opposite side of the road to the sculpture itself, and the metallic rods spell out the word ‘NON’; move across to the south-eastern corner and they become ‘OUI’. Then go up for a closer look: it’s more complicated than you think.

As with much of Raetz’ work, which is known across the globe and displayed in a number of cities in Europe and the United States, the interaction of the sculpture with the movement of the onlooker stirs up questions of perception and perspective, but it is also interesting to think about the technical input which it required: a glance at the many technical drawings which went into the process reveal the precision which the success of the final result naturally demanded.

OUI/NON was a donation from the Fondation Hélène et Victor Barbour to the City of Geneva.

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OUI/NON | Art & culture | Free
Place du Rhône | City center
24 hours daily (better in daylight hours)

When visiting a city, some people like visiting churches… I personally prefer visit football stadiums and hanging out in the universities! It plunges me back into a great time I had at the University of Geneva, especially in Unimail!

First of all, if you want to look like more “Genevois” do not pronounce UniMail like “mailbox” but like the french word “maille”!!! You are now ready!

The modern UniMail is located in the heart of the lively Plainpalais at one block of the Plaine de Plainpalais. The construction of this university is one of the main reasons of the flourishing bars in the neighbourhood : Calamar, Café du Lys (check the Cafe du Lys article) Ferblanterie etc.

You can always join the students in one of the two cafeterias in the day time.

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Unimail | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Snacks, Restaurants (cafetaria)
Boulevard du Pont d’Arve 40 | Plainpalais | +41223201704
All year around (sometimes a badge is required to open the door)