Statue of Liberty 33 Amazing Facts

Get ready to be amazed by these 33 fascinating facts about the Statue of Liberty! From its secret symbolism and surprising history to how it became a global icon of freedom, discover everything you didn’t know about ‘Lady Liberty’.


Origins and Design

  1. Official Name: The statue’s full name is Liberty Enlightening the World.
  2. Designer: French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the statue.
  3. Engineer: Gustave Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame, engineered the internal iron framework.

Construction and Materials

  1. Height: 305 feet from the ground to the tip of the torch.
  2. Weight: Approximately 225 tons.
  3. Material: Outer shell made of copper, turned green over time due to oxidation.

Symbolism and Secrets

  1. Crown Rays: The 7 rays represent the seven continents and seven seas.
  2. Tablet Date: Inscribed with July 4, 1776 — U.S. Independence Day.
  3. Shackles at Feet: Symbolize breaking free from tyranny and oppression.

Tourism and Modern Legacy

  1. Gift from France: Presented to the United States in 1886.
  2. Liberty Island: Located in New York Harbor, formerly known as Bedloe’s Island.
  3. UNESCO Status: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
  4. Reassembled in NYC: Shipped in 350 pieces and assembled in 4 months.
  5. Time Capsule: There’s a hidden box inside the pedestal’s cornerstone.
  6. Used as Lighthouse: Operated as a lighthouse from 1886 to 1902.
  7. Crown Access: Temporarily closed after 9/11; reopened in 2009.
  8. Torch Change: Original torch replaced in 1984 with a new gold-leaf version.
  9. Poem by Emma Lazarus: “The New Colossus” is engraved on the pedestal’s plaque.
  10. Immigration Symbol: Became a beacon of hope for immigrants arriving at Ellis Island.
  11. Facial Model: Some say Bartholdi used his mother as the model for Liberty’s face.
  12. Winds Impact: The statue sways up to 3 inches during strong winds.
  13. Color Change: Originally reddish-brown, turned green over 20 years.
  14. Fun Fact: Lady Liberty wears a size 879 shoe!
  15. Massive Foundation: The foundation alone is 65 feet tall.
  16. Millions Visit: Over 4 million visitors every year.
  17. Movie Star: Featured in numerous films like “X-Men,” “Planet of the Apes,” and more.
  18. Nicknames: Known as “Lady Liberty,” “Mother of Exiles,” and simply “The Statue.”
  19. Postage Stamp: Featured on U.S. stamps multiple times.
  20. Tourist Access: You can visit the crown, pedestal, and museum.
  21. LED Lighting: Modern lighting installed to illuminate her at night.
  22. Hidden Spiral Stairs: There are 354 steps to the crown.
  23. Seven-Pointed Crown: Each point represents a ray of the sun spreading freedom.

FAQs about the Statue of Liberty

What is the Statue of Liberty made of?

It is made of copper sheets over a steel framework designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Why did France gift the Statue of Liberty?

To celebrate the U.S. centennial and symbolize the friendship between the two nations.

Can you go inside the Statue of Liberty?

Yes, you can access the crown and pedestal via tickets, though crown access is limited.

What does the Statue of Liberty symbolize?

It symbolizes freedom, democracy, and the hope for a better life.

Why is the Statue of Liberty green?

Its copper exterior has oxidized over time, creating a green patina.

Back to the main Statue of Liberty page.