Le Corbusier’s Brutalist Architecture Day 1

Capitol Complex - Enjoy exclusive, private access to the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Capitol Complex, featuring the Secretariat, the Assembly Hall, and the Open Hand Monument. These structures exemplify brutalist concrete forms, innovative spatial dynamics, and symbolic urban planning. Gain access to restricted areas (subject to daily political conditions), including the Assembly’s legislative chambers, rare archival drawings, maps, and historical construction insights. Acquire technical insights into Le Corbusier’s design principles, structural innovations, and urban theories, enriched with expert analysis.

Le Corbusier Centre - Nestled in the residential sector 19, this museum/memorial center is dedicated to Chandigarh’s founding architect, Le Corbusier. The original building, once an architecture office during its construction years, is now known as the Le Corbusier Museum. Relax and avoid queues as tickets are pre-purchased. Explore fascinating exhibits featuring iconic photographs and original documentation chronicling Chandigarh’s formation. Discover rare archives, including blueprints and sketches by Le Corbusier, offering deep insights into his revolutionary urban planning concepts. Engage with interactive displays and models that vividly illustrate the city’s development, making your visit both educational and uniquely special. Immerse yourself in the legacy of one of the 20th century’s greatest architects!

Gandhi Bhawan - This iconic building, one of Chandigarh’s most recognizable structures, is located within Punjab University, designed by the renowned architect Pierre Jeanneret. The Bhawan’s distinctive lotus-shaped structure, surrounded by a reflective pool, symbolizes peace and tranquility. Inside, explore the central hall, housing a rich collection of photographs, manuscripts, and personal items of Gandhi, providing profound insights into his life and philosophy. Learn intriguing details about Jeanneret’s design principles and the building’s role as a hub for academic and cultural activities. This tour offers a unique blend of architectural brilliance and historical significance, making your visit to Gandhi Bhawan truly memorable. Relax and avoid queues as entry tickets are pre-purchased!

Chandigarh Architecture Museum - Experience this remarkable museum housed in a building designed by Le Corbusier himself. Explore original blueprints, detailed scale models, and an extensive collection of photographs documenting Chandigarh’s transformation from a visionary plan to a vibrant city. Delve into personal correspondence and sketches from Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, gaining unique insights into their creative genius. Engage with interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that bring the city’s architectural marvels to life. Witness the story of Chandigarh written from scratch—from pre-independent India to its current cultural iconic status. This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the meticulous planning and innovative design that make Chandigarh a global icon of modern urbanism. Relax and avoid queues as entry tickets are pre-purchased!

Open Hand Monument - Enjoy exclusive, close access to the crowning jewel symbol of Chandigarh, a symbol of peace and unity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Le Corbusier’s vision, and if you’re lucky on a windy day, see the hand gently sway with the wind, embodying flexibility and openness. Capture photos and give a speech in the assembly pit, next to the judiciary and the legislation of Chandigarh. Uncover the real story behind this site—is it still used for its original purpose?

Geometric Hill - Enjoy personalized guided access through this sculptural landscape. Designed as part of the Capitol Complex, Geometric Hill’s grid-like earth mounds and concrete forms embody Le Corbusier’s fascination with geometry and nature’s harmony. Explore its precise alignments, inspired by his Modulor system, and learn how it contrasts with Chandigarh’s organic urban grid. The tour includes insights into its symbolic role as a meditative space within the administrative hub. Discover the story of the never-completed structure here, the untold story of political turmoil, its original designed purpose versus current use.

The Tower of Shadows - Chandigarh, India - Enjoy an expert-guided tour through this open-air concrete structure designed by Le Corbusier as a “demo” building to study solar movement. The Tower of Shadows showcases Le Corbusier’s obsession with light and climate-responsive design, using geometric forms to cast precise shadows. Explore its minimalist framework, learning how it embodies his principles of environmental harmony and the Modulor system. Gain insights into its role as a functional yet symbolic piece within Chandigarh’s modernist landscape. Capture iconic photographs at one of Chandigarh’s most photogenic spots!

Pierre Jeanneret, Jane Drew & Maxwell Fry’s Design & Urban Planning Day 2

Museum Maison Jeanneret - Enjoy a rare visit to the first house constructed in Chandigarh, now a museum. Originally the residence of Pierre Jeanneret for 11 years, a key collaborator of Le Corbusier, this house showcases his innovative design principles. Built in the 1950s, Maison Jeanneret reflects the modernist architecture characteristic of Chandigarh’s urban planning, featuring clean lines, open spaces, and functional design. Explore the meticulously preserved interiors, where mid-century modern furniture designed by Jeanneret himself is displayed. The minimalist aesthetic and use of local materials like teak wood highlight his practical yet elegant approach. Discover rare photographs, sketches, and personal artifacts that provide a glimpse into Jeanneret’s life and his pivotal role in shaping Chandigarh. Enjoy rare access to the garden and verandas, reflecting his architectural philosophy of seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. Tickets are included!

Chandigarh Architecture Museum - Inspired by Le Corbusier’s 1965 Zurich Pavilion, this raw concrete form and tubular stairway set the stage for Chandigarh’s modernist saga. Explore three levels of rare exhibits, starting with the basement’s 1947 Partition archives, showcasing Albert Mayer and Matthew Nowicki’s early plans through original maps. The second level unveils Le Corbusier’s vision, with blueprints, models, and unbuilt designs like the Museum of Knowledge, crafted with Pierre Jeanneret, Jane Drew, and Maxwell Fry. On the third, see Chandigarh’s evolution, including Jeanneret’s furniture and his recreated living room. With insider access, view restricted sketches and tapestries, offering a personalized glimpse into this UNESCO city’s creation. Tickets are included, no waiting in lines!

Sukhna Lake - Experience a delightful boating adventure on the calm waters of the lake. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and the peaceful ambiance, complete with picnic snacks for everyone, especially fun for kids and couples. After boating, visit the Garden of Silence located at the lake’s backside. This tranquil garden features a large statue of Buddha, providing a perfect setting for meditation and reflection. The serene environment, with its beautifully landscaped surroundings, offers a quiet escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Engage in yoga and stretches while learning about the place’s history. Get ready to soak in the natural beauty and tranquility of Sukhna Lake and the Garden of Silence!

Sector 17 Market - Conceived in the 1950s as part of Chandigarh’s master plan, Sector 17 was designed as the central business district, embodying Le Corbusier’s vision of a modern urban center where commerce, culture, and community converge. Stroll through shaded tree-lined walkways, enjoy people-watching by the fountains, and see local artists perform in open spaces, blending brutalist concrete with green landscapes. Explore Pierre Jeanneret’s functionality, offering the perfect spot for Indian/Punjabi shopping. Find gifts like spices, artifacts, non-tacky clothes, or herbal Ayurvedic supplements. Bask in the immense pride of how locals utilize these public spaces, despite the constant struggle of gentrifying the city, and witness how the well-oiled machinery just works!

The Rock Garden of Chandigarh - Explore enchanting pathways adorned with over 2,000 unique sculptures crafted from recycled materials, including broken cutlery, toilets, hardware, electrical switches, road construction materials, and more. This iconic landmark has won multiple “best out of the waste” awards internationally and is a huge hit for kids. Take inspiration from its founder Nek Chand’s vision. Discover hidden waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and themed courtyards, each telling a unique story. No need to stand in line, as entry tickets are pre-purchased and included in the tour. Explore all “phases” or portions of the park, including secret passageways and lesser-known sculptures tucked away in secluded corners, offering perfect spots for stunning photographs and a truly immersive experience. Get ready to uncover the magic of Rock Garden like never before!

• Parking fees included

• We’d be making frequent snack stops - paid by you - but they’re all very cheap

The operator has been a journalist for 11 years and is a third-generation citizen of this area. Having spent 24 years in Corbus’s public social housing, studied in schools designed by Pierre, and worked in offices designed by Maxwell Fry, the operator embodies the spirit of Chandigarh.

Utilizing journalism skills, the operator has delved into how the government allocates public funds. If you enjoy stories, there are plenty to share!

On a personal note, the operator has traveled to numerous countries and backpacked across India extensively in their 20s, embracing a non-traditional lifestyle.

The operator’s guests include architects, urban planners, diplomats, foreign dignitaries, students, senior citizens, children, couples, and even hippies. This is a CUSTOM tour, and the day’s itinerary will be tailored to your personal interests!

Caring for the individual needs of guests is a responsibility the operator truly values.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.