Paris, France is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural landmarks. One of the most famous landmarks in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, which stands tall at 1,063 feet and is visited by millions of tourists every year. However, there is another landmark that has often been associated with Paris – The Statue of Liberty.
What is the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor within New York City. It was gifted to the United States by France in 1886 as a symbol of friendship between the two nations and as a celebration of America’s centennial independence.
Does Paris have a Statue of Liberty?
While Paris does not have an original version of the Statue of Liberty, there are actually several replicas that can be found throughout the city. In fact, there are more than one hundred replicas scattered around the world today! These replicas vary in size and location and were often gifted by France to other countries as a symbol of friendship.
One such replica can be found on Île aux Cygnes (Swan Island) in Paris. This statue stands at 37 feet tall and faces west towards its larger counterpart in New York Harbor. The statue was inaugurated on July 4th, 1889 – three years after its sister statue was unveiled in New York City.
Another replica can be found on Pont de Grenelle Bridge near Javel-André Citroën Metro Station. This statue stands at approximately 22 feet tall and faces southwest towards the Eiffel Tower.
- The Statue on Swan Island was gifted to France by American residents living in Paris
- The statue on Pont de Grenelle Bridge was gifted to France by the International Herald Tribune newspaper to commemorate the paper’s centennial
- The face of both statues is said to be modeled after the sculptor’s mother, Charlotte Bartholdi
The Story Behind The Statues
Conclusion
So while Paris may not have an original Statue of Liberty, it is home to several replicas that serve as a symbol of the friendship between France and America. These replicas are just as impressive and awe-inspiring as their larger counterpart in New York Harbor and provide visitors with a unique way to experience this iconic monument outside of the United States.