Statue of liberty closeup

The Statue of Liberty, inaugurated in 1886, is one of the most iconic monuments in the United States, a symbol of freedom and democracy.

About this subject

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States, designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with an internal metal structure engineered by Gustave Eiffel. Inaugurated on October 28, 1886, the statue commemorates the centennial of American independence and the Franco-American alliance during the American Revolution. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the female figure holds a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left, inscribed with the date of independence (July 4, 1776) in Roman numerals.

The statue stands 46 meters tall (93 meters including the pedestal) and weighs approximately 225 tons. The crown features seven spikes, representing the seven oceans and seven continents. The broken chain under her feet symbolizes liberation from tyranny. The original torch was replaced in 1986 with a gold-leafed replica. The statue underwent a major restoration between 1984 and 1986, which included replacing the corroded copper skin.

The Statue of Liberty has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and attracts over 4 million visitors annually. It was closed to the public after the September 11, 2001 attacks, but the crown reopened in 2009. The statue is a global icon, often associated with immigration and the pursuit of a better life, as immortalized in Emma Lazarus's poem "The New Colossus," engraved on a plaque at the pedestal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the torch of the Statue of Liberty symbolize?

The torch symbolizes enlightenment and the path to freedom. It originally functioned as a lighthouse, with its light visible for up to 24 miles.

How many steps are there to the crown of the Statue of Liberty?

There are 354 steps in a spiral staircase from the lobby to the crown. No elevator goes to the crown, only to the top of the pedestal.

Did the Statue of Liberty change color?

Yes, originally the statue was bright copper, but over about 30 years, exposure to air and rain developed its characteristic green patina.