Statue of Liberty, Monument in Upper New York Bay, United States
The Statue of Liberty is a copper artwork on Liberty Island showing a woman holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left. The monument stands about 305 feet tall and rests on a massive stone pedestal surrounded by a viewing area where visitors can see it from various angles and distances.
French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi created the artwork in 1884 as a gift from France to celebrate American independence and French-American friendship. The original copper surface gradually oxidized over decades, developing the green patina visible today.
The statue became a symbol of freedom for millions of immigrants who arrived through Ellis Island between the late 1800s and early 1900s. The torch and tablet represent liberty and law, concepts that visitors from around the world still recognize and connect with today.
Visitors reach the island by ferry departing from Battery Park in Manhattan, with advance reservations needed for crown access. The climb to the crown is strenuous and physically demanding, so visitors should consider their fitness level before booking that option.
The green color came from natural copper oxidation rather than paint, creating a protective layer. This patina has shielded the metal from further damage and has become an essential part of its appearance.
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