How Art and Engineering Combined to Build the Statue of Liberty as a Symbol of Freedom

In honor of the 140th anniversary of the statue’s dedication in New York Harbor, New York Times critic at large Jason Farago examined the Statue of Liberty piece by piece, noting how it became not only a welcoming symbol, but also an exceptional sculpture.

This massive project brought together sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineer Gustave Eiffel (of the Eiffel Tower) to realize this powerful vision.

The Statue of Liberty, this gift from France to America, has become such a symbol that she’s almost impossible to see as a sculpture. So to really see her, you have to think in parts.

The statue actually reached New York Harbor in 214 crates in June 1885, but she wasn’t dedicated until October 28, 1886, after Americans finished paying for her pedestal.

The History of the Statue of Liberty

A Brief Animated History of What the Statue of Liberty Represents in the United States
The Architectural History Behind the Statue of Liberty
An Enlightening Tour Inside the Statue of Liberty
Lori Dorn

Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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