Liberty Enlightening the World was designed by the artist Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, who first worked with the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc until his death in 1879, whom was then replaced by Gustave Eiffel. Built as a gift from France to the United States of America, it was intended to commemorate the centenary of American independence and offered in 1876. Bartholdi and his supporters had to show imagination, audacity and tenacity to design, promote and build what was then the largest statue in the world. Liberty Enlightening the World was finally unveiled and gifted ten years later than expected, in 1886.
While French people designed and built the statue, the pedestal was financed through an American fundraising. Between 1884 and 1885, the statue under construction gradually emerged from its workshop located Rue de Chazelles in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, towering above the buildings. This led to the monument being deeply-rooted in the hearts and souls of French people.
As 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day, join me as I unveil the statue’s strong links and attachment to the city of Paris.
Let us begin the tour at the Musée des Arts et Métiers, where you can see the statue’s original plaster model, created by Bartholdi in 1878. The 2,83-metre-high art piece was used to create all of the other ones. Bartholdi’s widow gifted it to the museum in 1907.
The museum’s park used to be home to Lady Liberty : a copper-made replica. This statue was lent to the Unites States of America in 2021 to celebrate the 4th of July and is now on display at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. until 2031.
Moving on to the Musée d’Orsay, discover Liberté : a copper-made replica cast by Bartholdi in 1889 and commissioned by the French state for the Musée du Luxembourg. Initially placed in the Jardins du Luxembourg after Bartholdi’s passing, it was then moved to the Musée d’Orsay in the early 2000s, while a replica was placed in the Jardins du Luxembourg.
Still on the Left Bank, on Place Michel Debré, Le Centaure is a half-man half-horse statue crafted by César Baldaccini between 1983 and 1985. While the link is not obvious at first, Le Centaure holds in its coat a miniature version of Bartholdi’s work : a heartfelt touch to French people.
Heading next to Ile aux Cygnes, to see the statue gifted by the American Comity for the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It is specifically positioned to face the statue in New York City and is located nearby where Bartholdi’s workshop stood.
Our final stop will be at Place de l’Alma, where you will find a replica of the torch. Flamme de la Liberté was gifted by international donors following the assistance of two French companies in restoring the statue in New York in 1986, in honour of the Franco-American friendship.
I hope this tour has provided you with a different perspective of Paris and I look forward to welcoming you!
Vincent Aumis is a member of Les Clefs d’Or France. This article has been published in its original form.
Europe Culture Hotel Architecture Paris Four Seasons Hotel George V Liberty Enlightening the World Friendship
Since my childhood, I have been greatly sensitized to cultural and lifestyle differences while travelling. I have had the chance to discover a great number of countries around the world with my family, which enhanced my attraction to the hospitality industry.
It is very naturally that I decided to enroll at a hospitality school with specific hands-on opportunities within my cursus.
Various internships in both Food & Beverage and Rooms Division departments in France and abroad, generated in me, a huge determination to work intensely and revealed my nascent attraction to direct guests’ interactions. After five years at different positions in Rooms Division, I was offered a position at the concierge desk of the Hôtel du Louvre.
I then discovered a true passion for the concierge position, creating unique and memorable experiences for each guest as a mission. In 2022, I joined the concierge team at the Four Seasons Hotel George V. In 2025, I have become a Les Clefs d’Or member, with my mentor and my team’s support.
I have found a job that feeds my curiosity on a daily basis. It is a pleasure to tailor itineraries for each guest, while acting as an ambassador for French culture.
The Hotel George V in Paris has been welcoming guests since 1928 and has been known as the Four Seasons Hotel George V since 1999. Nestled in the Golden Triangle of Paris, it is located a few minutes away from the Arc de Triomphe and the River Seine, and just around the corner from the famous Avenue Montaigne. The art deco architectural building is home to 243 rooms and suites and is a true testimony of the French art de vivre. The hotel is reknown for its majestic floral decorations by Jeff Leatham, which have been a part of its identity ever since it became a Four Seasons Hotel. It is the only hotel across Europe, Africa and the Middle East to be home to three different Michelin-starred restaurants for a total of 6 stars within a single property, earning the status of a unique gastronomic destination in Paris. The George V's wine cellar is one of the largest in France.
In 2026, the Four Seasons Hotel George V will enter a new era as it reveals its newly renovated rooms and suites, all designed to contribute in offering guests the true Parisian way of life, rather than just visiting.
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