What's inside the Statue of Liberty?

Summary

This video script offers an in-depth exploration of the Statue of Liberty, revealing its history, symbolism, and construction process. Gifted by France in 1886, the statue stands as a symbol of freedom, holding a torch and a tablet with the Declaration of Independence's date. Made of copper, it has oxidized to its iconic green color. Designed by Frederic August Bartholdi and supported by Gustave Eiffel's iron structure, the statue was shipped in pieces and reassembled in New York Harbor. The script also details visiting the statue, including the museum and the experience of climbing to the crown, with a note on current COVID-19 restrictions.

Takeaways

• 🗽 The Statue of Liberty is officially named 'Liberty Enlightening the World' and was a gift from France to the United States in 1886.
• 🌍 Located on Liberty Island in the Upper Bay between New York and New Jersey, the statue is a symbol of freedom and was one of the first sights for immigrants arriving in the U.S.
• 👉 The statue holds a torch in her right hand and a tablet with the Declaration of Independence date in Roman numerals in her left, symbolizing freedom and the end of slavery with a broken shackle and chain.
• 📏 Standing 46 meters tall without the pedestal, the Statue of Liberty reaches a total height of 93 meters, equivalent to a 20-story building.
• 🛠 Constructed from copper, the statue's original color was similar to a penny but oxidized to green over 20 years due to exposure to air and rain.
• 🎨 Designed by French sculptor Frederic August Bartholdi, the statue was created in stages, starting from a small clay model to full-size plaster versions before being crafted in copper sheets using the repousse method.
• 🏗 The internal structure, designed by Gustave Eiffel, includes an iron pylon and support beams that allow the statue to sway in the wind, ensuring its stability.
• 📦 The statue was built in Paris, disassembled into 350 pieces, shipped to the U.S., and reassembled on its pedestal, with France funding the statue and the U.S. the pedestal.
• 🛳 To visit Liberty Island, one must take a ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey or The Battery in Manhattan, with the island covering nearly 15 acres.
• 🏛 The Statue of Liberty Museum, opened in 2019, showcases the original torch and provides information about the statue's history and significance.
• 🚫 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public access inside the pedestal and statue has been restricted, but visitors can still explore Liberty Island and its outdoor areas.

Q & A

What is the official name of the Statue of Liberty?

The official name of the Statue of Liberty is 'Liberty Enlightening the World'.

Who gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States, and when was it given?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States in the year 1886.

Where is the Statue of Liberty located geographically?

The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in the Upper Bay, between the states of New York and New Jersey, on the East Coast of the United States.

What is the significance of the torch and tablet in the Statue of Liberty's hands?

The torch in the Statue of Liberty's right hand symbolizes freedom, while the tablet in her left hand bears the date of the Declaration of Independence in Roman numerals.

What does the broken shackle and chain on the Statue of Liberty represent?

The broken shackle and chain symbolize the end of slavery, representing freedom.

How tall is the Statue of Liberty from heel to top of the head, and what is its total height including the pedestal?

The Statue of Liberty is 46 meters tall from heel to the top of the head, and including the pedestal, it stands 93 meters tall.

What material was the Statue of Liberty originally made of, and how did its color change over time?

The Statue of Liberty was originally made of copper, which was the color of a penny. Over about 20 years, the copper oxidized and turned green due to exposure to air and rain.

Who designed the Statue of Liberty, and what was the process of creating the full-size version?

The Statue of Liberty was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. The process involved creating a series of models in increasing sizes, with the final version being made out of sheets of copper using a method called repousse.

Who designed the supporting structure of the Statue of Liberty, and what is its significance?

The supporting structure of the Statue of Liberty was designed by Gustave Eiffel. It includes an iron pylon at the center, which acts as the statue's 'spine', and smaller support beams to allow the statue to sway in the wind.

How was the Statue of Liberty transported to the United States, and what was involved in its reassembly?

The Statue of Liberty was first built in Paris and then disassembled into 350 pieces, which were shipped to the United States. It took an additional four months to reassemble the statue on top of the pedestal.

What are the current restrictions for visiting the Statue of Liberty due to the pandemic, and what hopes are there for the future?

As of the script's recording, the public is not allowed into any part of the pedestal or statue due to COVID-19 restrictions. It is hoped that these restrictions will ease, allowing visits inside the statue once again.