Lady Liberté

Everyone knows the Statue of Liberty. But few realise that this universal symbol was created in Auguste Bartholdi’s Parisian workshops, with the help of Gustave Eiffel and many exceptional craftsmen. The exhibition Lady Liberty: Sweat, Audacity, Genius, on display at the Musée des Arts et Métiers from 22 September 2026 to 1 August 2027, tells the story of this fascinating adventure to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Through an immersive exhibition, you will discover how this monumental work was conceived, crafted and then prepared for its journey to New York.

An immersive journey into the heart of the workshops

With video projections, 3D installations and life-size sets, the exhibition brings to life the hustle and bustle of late 19th-century workshops. From modelling the plaster to hammering the copper plates, via the assembly of the metal framework, every stage of the construction is brought to life in a sensory and spectacular way. You’ll follow the incredible creation of Lady Liberty as if you were right there, up close to the techniques and innovations that made this extraordinary feat possible.

Rarely-exhibited treasures

One of the highlights of the visit is the display of exceptional pieces from the museum’s collections: plaster and copper models, original casts and even full-scale elements of the statue. These rare artefacts reveal the artisanal and collaborative nature of this legendary project, which brought together blacksmiths, joiners, coppersmiths and sculptors. A fascinating exhibition offering an insight into how a French project became one of the world’s most famous monuments.

Even more exhibitions in the Paris Region.