Don't be confused or surprised when you see the Statue of Liberty in Paris. It's not a replica either, its the original one! It's a 22-minute walk from the Eiffel tower along the Seine River. Maybe you've missed the history? Sounds Interesting? Keep on reading...
A recent walk along the Seine, I noticed a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Yes, a replica. That's what I thought and that's what I said to my French friend when she looked at me in a facial expression that was a delicate mix of horror and humor. “This is the original one. The one in your country is a replica”, she replied. Was this something I was suppose to know? I must have missed it in history class.
Walking along the Seine, about 30 minutes after the Eiffel Tower, away from the centre, you'll find a smaller “version” of New York's most iconic statue. I know the story behind the Statue of Liberty. It was given by the French to the U.S as a gift to celebrate American Independence. I think this is common knowledge in the U.S but I didn't realize that our American one was the real replica.
I did a little bit of internet research and all I can say it God bless the internet, because although the iconic statue was given the U.S in 1886, the one I was looking at was actually a replica. Don't get me wrong, it is interesting and to accidentally stumble upon it, without knowing about it was a real surprise indeed. But it was created after the New York one.
The nearest metro station is Javal, and the statue is on a tiny island on the Seine river. You just have to walk across the Pont de Grenelle. It's pretty cool.
But the reason I wanted to write this post was because I actually found the “original” Statue of Liberty and she really is in Paris. It was constructed by Frederic Bartholdi. Before he made the absolutely massive one, he made a smaller one, 6ft in height and also constructed in bronze. My guide book told me I would find it in the Jardin du Luxembourg and beside her is a memorium to the 9/11 attacks in New York. When I went to look for her, she was gone. The plaque is still there but no statue. With no French, I didn't know how to ask where it was.
Luckily, the very next day, while I was checking out the Musee des Arts et Metiers, I found her. Right outside. It was the second time in a few days, I stumbled upon the design. Apparently, there are a few other examples or replicas of the statue scattered across Paris and copies of the design can be found in places as far off as Beijing, Ireland and even our beloved Las Vegas, which pretty much has a copy of everything.
So I guess the moral of this story is too not believe everything you are told and see for yourself. Paris will surprise you everytime.
