Statue of Liberty

New York, United States

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

The statue is a figure of Libertas, a robed Roman liberty goddess. She holds a torch above her head with her right hand, and in her left hand carries a tabula ansata inscribed JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals), the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. A broken shackle and chain lie at her feet as she walks forward, commemorating the recent national abolition of slavery. After its dedication, the statue became an icon of freedom and of the United States, seen as a symbol of welcome to immigrants arriving by sea.

Bartholdi was inspired by a French law professor and politician, Édouard René de Laboulaye, who is said to have commented in 1865 that any monument raised to U.S. independence would properly be a joint project of the French and U.S. peoples. The Franco-Prussian War delayed progress until 1875, when Laboulaye proposed that the French finance the statue and the U.S. provide the site and build the pedestal. Bartholdi completed the head and the torch-bearing arm before the statue was fully designed, and these pieces were exhibited for publicity at international expositions.

The torch-bearing arm was displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, and in Madison Square Park in Manhattan from 1876 to 1882. Fundraising proved difficult, especially for the Americans, and by 1885 work on the pedestal was threatened by lack of funds. Publisher Joseph Pulitzer, of the New York World, started a drive for donations to finish the project and attracted more than 120,000 contributors, most of whom gave less than a dollar. The statue was built in France, shipped overseas in crates, and assembled on the completed pedestal on what was then called Bedloe's Island. The statue's completion was marked by New York's first ticker-tape parade and a dedication ceremony presided over by President Grover Cleveland.

The statue was administered by the United States Lighthouse Board until 1901 and then by the Department of War; since 1933 it has been maintained by the National Park Service as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, and is a major tourist attraction. Public access to the balcony around the torch has been barred since 1916.

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Details

Founded: 1886
Category: Statues in United States

More Information

www.nps.gov
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Henry Raj (5 months ago)
I booked my visit with City Cruises for 10 AM on Sunday, 05/26. I arrived at 09:40 AM and found a huge queue. I thought that since my ticket was for 10 AM, I wouldn’t have to wait. However, to my surprise, everyone in the line was also part of the 10 AM batch. And I’m able to board the cruise at 11 AM. This was the one thing I didn’t like about City Cruises. The rest of the trip was good; visiting the Statue of Liberty was long overdue, and I got to mark it off my list today.
manan bhatt (5 months ago)
Visiting the Statue of Liberty was an incredible experience that exceeded my expectations. From the moment I arrived at Liberty Island, I was struck by the statue's grandeur and symbolic significance. The ferry ride offered stunning views of the New York City skyline, adding to the anticipation. Upon reaching the island, the welcoming atmosphere and well-organized facilities made the visit enjoyable and stress-free. The museum located in the pedestal provided a rich historical context, detailing the statue's construction, its gift from France, and its enduring symbolism of freedom and democracy. The exhibits were informative and engaging, offering insights that deepened my appreciation of this iconic monument. Climbing to the pedestal was a highlight, as it offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the harbor. Although I didn't make it to the crown (which requires advance reservations), the pedestal provided an excellent vantage point. Over all experience was great.
Atul samadhiya (5 months ago)
The boat trip to Liberty Island offered stunning views of the New York City skyline, adding to the excitement of the journey. Seeing the Statue of Liberty up close was awe-inspiring, and we were struck by its grandeur and beauty. Walking around the statue, we were able to appreciate its intricate design and the rich history behind it. Learning about the statue's significance as a beacon of hope and freedom was both educational and moving.
Wil “wilinamerica” Wilson (5 months ago)
Part of a wider experience to Ellis Island, the trip to The Statue of Liberty is taken via a ferry tour. A great spot to see the NYC skyline. Liberty Island consists of a museum, cafe, shop and toilet facilities. The ferries are frequent. Options to go up the statue are available. Plenty of space to walk around. To avoid crowds it's recommended to get the first ferry or go late on a weekday. Enjoy
Nakib (5 months ago)
We had an amazing experience visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island! We took the ferry from Battery Park, which offers departures from both the New York and New Jersey sides. The line was a bit long, but our pedestal tickets helped us skip most of it. I recommend booking a few months in advance for pedestal or crown tickets; the prices are nearly identical. The views of the New York City skyline from the pedestal were breathtaking. Overall, a must-do experience if you're in NYC!
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