La Statue de la Liberté, naissance d'un symbole

The documentary takes viewers back to April 1865, where a group of Republicans gathers to celebrate the abolition of slavery in the United States and honor President Lincoln, who had been assassinated just days earlier. Édouard de Laboulaye, a key figure at the dinner, passionately proposes the idea of a grand statue as a gift from France to symbolize freedom. This idea captures the imagination of Auguste Bartholdi, a young sculptor in attendance.

The film chronicles Bartholdi's relentless pursuit of this ambitious project, which would span two decades and involve considerable effort on both sides of the Atlantic. The Statue of Liberty, officially known as Liberty Enlightening the World, ultimately became a monumental symbol of hope and freedom, unveiled in New York Harbor on October 28, 1886. This documentary provides insight into the historical significance and the collaborative spirit that brought this monumental project to life.