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Culture & Lifestyle • Landmark

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, New York City.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, New York City. Its official name is "Liberty Enlightening the World" and it was a gift from France to the United States, dedicated in 1886. It is widely regarded as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and immigration.

History

The Statue of Liberty was conceived in France and completed for dedication in 1886. It was intended to celebrate Franco-American friendship and the ideals associated with American independence.

Design and construction

Bartholdi designed the statue and Eiffel created the internal framework. The monument is made of copper sheets over a metal structure and depicts a robed female figure holding a torch and tablet.

Symbolism

The statue is commonly interpreted as a symbol of liberty, democracy, and welcome. Its location near Ellis Island strengthened its association with immigration to the United States.

World heritage status

The Statue of Liberty is recognized as a major heritage landmark and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.

Key facts

  • The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States, dedicated in 1886.
  • It was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with an internal framework by Gustave Eiffel.
  • The statue stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, near Ellis Island.
  • It is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and immigration.
  • The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.
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Canadian context

The Statue of Liberty is not in Canada, but it is a major North American landmark and a frequent reference point in Canadian discussions of migration, freedom, and U.S. history.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Statue of Liberty's official name?
Its official name is "Liberty Enlightening the World."
Where is the Statue of Liberty located?
It stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, in New York City, United States.
Who designed the Statue of Liberty?
The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
Who built the internal framework?
The metal framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel.
When was the Statue of Liberty dedicated?
It was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
Why did France give the statue to the United States?
It was a gift celebrating Franco-American friendship and the centenary of American independence.

References

  1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre — https://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/307/
    Supports: Location, French origin, Bartholdi and Eiffel collaboration, gift from France, inauguration year, and heritage status.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Liberty
    Supports: Official name, location, dedication date, designers, materials, and general description.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Statue-of-Liberty
    Supports: Location, symbolic meaning, gift from France, and association with immigration.