Auguste Bartholdi: Liberty Enlightening the World — A New Exhibition on the Sculptor at the Musée d’Orsay

When thinking of the Statue of Liberty, it’s often linked to Gustave Eiffel. Yet, this iconic monument is actually the work of Auguste Bartholdi, one of France’s leading sculptors of the 19th century. His legacy is celebrated through an exhibition and an immersive virtual reality experience at the Musée d’Orsay, timed to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, running from September 15, 2026, to January 31, 2027.

A gift from France to the United States to mark the centennial of American independence in 1876, the statue was ultimately unveiled a decade later, in 1886. Designer Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, working alongside Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and later Gustave Eiffel, had to push the boundaries of imagination to create what was then the world's tallest sculpture, reaching a total height of 93 meters including its pedestal.

The idea, championed by the Franco-American Union, took shape through Bartholdi's travels to the United States and an extraordinary fundraising effort. Even before its completion, the statue gained fame thanks to numerous articles in illustrated newspapers and actual-size models displayed at the world fairs of 1876 and 1878.

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The exhibition traces the journey of Bartholdi, an visionary from Alsace, highlighting the creation of the Statue of Liberty. This iconic allegory celebrating American independence was initially conceived as a project for the Suez Canal. The display also explores key milestones in its construction, showcasing the seamless union of art and engineering — from Viollet-le-Duc’s technical designs to Gustave Eiffel’s realization, following Viollet-le-Duc’s death.

The forging of the copper took place in Parisian workshops, and the statue was assembled there before its journey to New York. The story concludes with the completion of the pedestal and the grand unveiling on October 28, 1886.

A Statue of Liberty, Bartholdi's Dream: immerse yourself in the virtual reality experience at the Musée d'Orsay
Alongside the exhibition dedicated to Auguste Bartholdi and his most famous masterpiece, the Musée d'Orsay offers visitors an immersive virtual reality experience exploring the story of the Statue of Liberty. [Read more]