What Is the Big Statue in Paris Called?

By Robert Palmer

Paris, the city of love and light, is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. One of these landmarks is a massive statue that stands tall in the heart of Paris.

You might be wondering what this statue is called? Well, it is none other than the Statue of Liberty!

The Statue of Liberty:

Yes, you read it right! The Statue of Liberty is not just a symbol of freedom and democracy in New York City; there’s another one in Paris! This impressive statue has been an essential part of Parisian history for over 130 years.

History:

The French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi designed and created this statue in collaboration with engineer Gustave Eiffel. They both worked tirelessly for nine long years to complete this masterpiece. The statue was then gifted by France to the United States as a symbol of friendship and liberty between the two nations.

After its inauguration in New York City in 1886, Bartholdi decided to create another replica of this magnificent structure for his hometown in France. Hence, he created a smaller version that was unveiled on November 15th, 1889, on the occasion of the World’s Fair held in Paris.

The Statue:

The statue stands tall at 46 meters (151 feet) including its pedestal and weighs around 225 tonnes (250 tons). The figure holds a torch high above her head with her right hand while holding a tablet with July 4th inscribed on it in Roman numerals with her left hand.

Construction:

The statue was constructed using copper sheets that were hammered into shape over an iron framework designed by Gustave Eiffel. Its base is made up of stones from different parts of France.

  • The figure’s head is inclined towards America.
  • The seven spikes on her crown represent the seven seas and seven continents of the world.
  • The torch represents enlightenment and progress.
  • The book in her left hand represents the law and justice.

Conclusion:

The Statue of Liberty in Paris is an iconic symbol of friendship between France and America. It is a testament to the values of freedom, liberty, and democracy that both countries cherish. So, if you ever find yourself in Paris, don’t forget to visit this magnificent statue and pay tribute to its rich history!