The Statue of Liberty (pictured) was inaugurated on October 28, 1886, at New York City’s harbor as a gift from the people of France to the United States. Standing at 46 meters tall, she wears a crown with 7 rays, symbolizing the sun’s halo shining upon the world. In her left hand, she holds a tablet inscribed with the date of America’s independence in Roman numerals, and at her feet lie broken chains, symbolizing the abolition of slavery in the nation.
Due to its immense popularity, replicas of the statue have sprung up everywhere, from Japan to Norway and Brazil. Listed below are 10 of the most notable replicas, as suggested by Atlas Obscura. Image: NY Curbed
Japan
Hailed by many visitors and experts as “the most beautiful replica of the Statue of Liberty,” the Odaiba Statue of Liberty stands at almost 12 meters tall and was erected in 1998 to commemorate the strong bond between Japan and France.
Located in Tokyo Bay and easily accessible, this statue is set against the backdrop of a long suspension bridge, giving visitors the illusion of standing before the original in New York. Image: Go Tokyo
France
In addition to the original statue in the US, France also boasts several replicas of the Statue of Liberty scattered across the country. One of the most renowned, and a favorite among tourists, is the statue in Bordeaux (pictured) and another in front of the Chateau de Vascoeuil art center in Vacoeuil. Image: Invisible Bordeaux
Norway
The small village of Visnes in Rogaland county is home to a copper mine that operated for over 100 years, and it is believed that the copper from this mine was used to construct the original Statue of Liberty in the US. Today, a much smaller replica of the statue stands in this village. Image: Ohm bras
Ukraine
Perched atop the National Museum of Ethnography in Lviv, Ukraine, is a seated version of the Statue of Liberty. Affectionately dubbed the “lazy statue” by locals and tourists, this replica was crafted by Polish sculptor Leandro Marconi. Image: Discover
Brazil
The renowned sculptor Bartholdi, known for designing the Statue of Liberty, reused his design on several occasions. One such instance is the statue commissioned by Brazil in 1899 to commemorate the country’s independence. It currently resides in Miami Square in Bangu, a western suburb of Rio.
Additionally, other Brazilian destinations featuring replicas include Santa Catarina, Curitiba, and Barra da Tijuca (pictured). Image: Pulitizer Centre
Denmark
The Lego Statue of Liberty is part of a collection of famous monuments from around the world assembled at Legoland in Billund. This area boasts 20 million Lego pieces used to create these iconic structures. Image: Theme Park Inside
Israel
Not all replicas adhere strictly to the original design. Such is the case with the Statue of Liberty in Arraba, Israel. Standing at 4.5 meters tall, this unique version has become a popular attraction in the city. Image: Wiki
