This iconic symbol of freedom celebrated its 125th birthday at the end of October 2011 and promptly closed for a year’s repairs.

Created by French sculptor Frederic August Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty was presented to the USA as a sign of friendship from the people of France. For immigrants specifically, it became a symbol of freedom – 12 million of whom passed through Ellis Island as they entered the United States.

During the celebration the American and French national anthems were played and “The New Colossus”, a poem by Emma Lazarus which is inscribed under the statue in bronze was read by actress Sigourney Weaver – with the famous line about welcoming “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

A salute from passing boats and a fireworks display followed.  

The $27,25m renovation is to improve the spiral stairway up into the crown and to add safety devices and other modern requirements The installation of five webcams in the torch will bring never before seen views of Liberty Island and New York harbour to the general public.