In many people’s minds, the Statue of Liberty is a legendary depiction of New York, U.S.A. This USA national monument is one of the world’s most visited attractions, and for someone who has a US visa in hand and has New York on their itinerary, they will definitely find a way to see this colossal American attraction. But what’s the significance of the statue? Did you know it was a gift from France and the sculpture is based on a Roman goddess? Read more about this fascinating attraction and see what it’s all about.

The Statue of Liberty history dates back to the 1800s when the French proposed giving the statue to praise American democracy and strengthen relations between the two countries. Among the many legends about the Statue, the most popular opinion is that it symbolizes the abolishment of slavery and demonstrates to the world that America is a free and democratic country. This grand monument was a dream project of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi – a renowned French artist and sculptor. The Statue of Liberty also symbolizes French-American friendship. It took two decades to build the statue, disassemble it in France, ship it to the USA, and reassemble it on Liberty Island. In 1986, it was dedicated to America as the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World.

Design and Architecture – Interesting facts

• There have been several ideas about how the Statue of Liberty should look. Officials finalized Liberty Island, formerly Bedloe’s Island, as the monument’s location at the entrance to New York Harbor. Its monumental stature, standing stoically overlooking the waters on the south-east was a major attraction and also served another purpose – immigrants and visitors in ships, and boats will see it as a welcoming feature as they sail by it.

• Artists created the first sketches of the Statue of Liberty in the 1870s. A number of expressions led to the concept of the statue being a lady, including the ancient Roman Goddess Libertas and the Statue of Freedom made by Thomas Crawford that adorns the US Capitol Building. It has also been reported that Bartholdi’s mother’s face is likened to the sculpture.

• Also included in the final design were ideas that contrasted with the popular French and Roman architectural styles. The Statue of Liberty stands tall at Liberty Island as a female figure sheathed in an overflowing gown and cloaks. The facial expression is neutral and the figure holds a shining torch in one hand symbolizing enlightenment. Eventually, the copper torch was replaced with a gold-plated torch to reflect the shining sun rays and create a flame effect. There are seven rays on the crown that symbolize the sun, the seven continents as well as the seven seas of the world. The statue also illustrates the breaking of shackles of slavery in a very subtle way by stepping over a chain half-hidden by the drapery and the raised right leg that, from below, is difficult to clearly see. Liberty’s left hand holds a tablet inscribed with the words, ‘JULY IV MDCCLXXVI.’ This tablet commemorates the date of the Independence of the United States of America. The whole statue stands on a raised pedestal.

• Delays in constructing the Statue of Liberty occurred while raising funds for its pedestal. According to legend, the flaming torch stood at Madison Square for several years. It is so that the public could contribute to this grand project.

• Crafted from copper, the statue uses a lightweight, easily molded metal ideal for sculptures. The natural oxidization of copper over the period of time gives it a pale green appearance. The Statue of Liberty stands towering at the Liberty Island at the height of 305 feet from the ground to the tip. Workers hammered and riveted about 300 copper sheets to shape the colossal structure. A sturdy internal metal frame, designed by Gustave Eiffel, secures the statue in place. The giant structure moves as well! The Statue of Liberty sways 3 to 5 inches in strong winds.

Location, Timings, and Admission fees

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous monuments in USA and is a must visit at least once in your lifetime. It is located on Liberty Island, which can only be accessed by ferry and boat from Battery Park, Manhattan in New York City. Ferries depart every 25 minutes. Statue of Liberty timings are 9.30 am until 4.30 am daily. Statue of Liberty visitors do not have to pay an entrance fee. They only have to pay for the ferry rides. However, if you wish to go inside the pedestal or the crown, there will be additional charges.

Conclusion

The ultimate realization of arriving in the USA for a US visa holder is to see this majestic monument. The statue symbolizes the strength of friendship, as France entrusted this iconic work of art to the United States. This masterpiece has not only withstood the test of time and perils. It still stands as a beacon of the American dream and a symbol of freedom throughout the world. The Statue of Liberty is one of the most breathtaking attractions in the world. So don’t miss the chance of seeing her if you get one!