Statue of liberty closeup

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was a gift from France to the USA in 1886 and is located on Liberty Island, New York.

About this subject

The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the same builder of the Eiffel Tower. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, as a centennial gift from France to the United States. The statue depicts Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty, holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence: July 4, 1776.

The statue is made of copper sheets, which have oxidized to form a green patina. Its total height, including the pedestal, is 93 meters. The crown features seven spikes, representing the seven seas and seven continents, symbolizing universal liberty. Broken chains lie at her feet, signifying the end of oppression. The monument was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The original torch was replaced in 1986 with a new gold-leafed one; the old torch is now displayed at the Statue of Liberty Museum. The statue was one of the first major tourist attractions in the United States and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the country. Following the September 11 attacks, Liberty Island was closed and reopened in 2009 after renovations. The statue has been featured in countless films and artworks, cementing its iconic status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total height of the Statue of Liberty?

The total height of the Statue of Liberty including the pedestal is 93 meters. The statue itself measures 46 meters from base to torch tip.

What do the seven spikes on the crown of the Statue of Liberty represent?

The seven spikes represent the seven seas and seven continents, symbolizing universal liberty.

Why is the Statue of Liberty green?

The statue is made of copper, which over time develops a layer of copper carbonate called patina, giving it the characteristic green color. This natural process protects the metal from corrosion.