If you have ever been to Paris, you might have heard that there are three Statues of Liberty in the city. But is it true Let’s explore the history behind this claim.
The Original Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a world-famous symbol of freedom and democracy that stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from France to the United States and was dedicated in 1886.
The Miniature Replica at Musée des Arts et Métiers
The first replica of the Statue of Liberty in Paris can be found at the Musée des Arts et Métiers. This museum is dedicated to science and technology and displays a collection of inventions and scientific instruments.
The miniature statue measures 2.85 meters (9 feet 4 inches) and was installed in 2011. It was originally placed on the roof terrace but was later moved inside the museum due to weather damage.
If you are interested in science, technology, and history, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
The Larger Replica on Île aux Cygnes
Another replica of the Statue of Liberty stands tall on Île aux Cygnes (Swan Island), a man-made island located in the Seine River. This replica is larger than the one at Musée des Arts et Métiers, measuring 11.5 meters (37 feet 9 inches).
This statue was given by American residents living in France to commemorate the centennial anniversary of French-American relations in 1889. It faces west towards its big sister across the Atlantic Ocean.
If you want to see this statue up close, take a stroll along Île aux Cygnes where it stands proudly for all to see.
The Original Plaster Model at Musée d’Orsay
The third “Statue of Liberty” in Paris is not a replica but rather the original plaster model used to create the Statue of Liberty in New York. It is located at the Musée d’Orsay, a museum that houses an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
The plaster model measures 3.05 meters (10 feet) and was created by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the Statue of Liberty. It was used to create the molds for the final statue in New York.
If you are an art lover, make sure to add Musée d’Orsay to your itinerary when visiting Paris.
Conclusion
So, are there three Statues of Liberty in Paris Well, technically no. The two replicas and the original plaster model are not considered official statues of liberty but rather tributes to the iconic symbol of freedom.
However, they are still worth seeing if you are interested in history, technology, and art. Make sure to include these landmarks in your itinerary when visiting Paris.