The Statue of Liberty, an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy, was a collaborative creation between France and the United States. Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, its construction commenced in France in 1876. French artisans meticulously crafted the statue, which was completed in Paris in July 1884.
It was then disassembled, shipped across the Atlantic, and reassembled on a pedestal in New York Harbor, where it was inaugurated in 1886.
In France, several replicas of the Statue of Liberty stand as tributes to this iconic monument. In Paris, a notable replica is situated on the Île aux Cygnes, a man-made island on the Seine River. This 11.5-meter (37.7-foot) statue faces westward, towards its larger counterpart in New York.
Another replica resides in the Luxembourg Gardens, adding to the city’s collection of miniature versions. Additionally, in Colmar, Bartholdi’s birthplace, a 12-meter (39.4-foot) replica stands, crafted from resin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death.
These replicas serve as enduring reminders of the historical ties and shared values between France and the United States.