The existence of a Statue of Liberty in Bordeaux, France, may come as a surprise to many. Bordeaux’s own Statue of Liberty has a remarkable history, having been gifted to the city, destroyed by the Germans during World War II, and subsequently rebuilt and vandalized. Although less famous and imposing than its New York counterpart, the statue in Bordeaux is an exact replica.

Situated in Place Picard, in the heart of the Chartrons district, the statue was crafted by Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904), a French sculptor renowned for the famous Lady Liberty. The American monument, titled “Liberty Enlightening the World,” symbolized the friendship between France and the United States and celebrated the centennial of the War of Independence.

Bartholdi’s work was so admired that he created smaller replicas of the American monument, sending them to cities like Paris, Soltau, Maceió, Tokyo, Arraba, and Bordeaux. Bordeaux’s statue was first erected on April 27, 1888, standing at three meters tall, as compared to the American version’s 93 meters.

Bordeaux’s relationship with Bartholdi began when the city solicited him for a fountain in Place des Quinconces. Although this plan was abandoned, Bartholdi maintained strong ties with the city. Later, residents of Chartrons demanded a fountain in Place Picard, leading Bartholdi to gift a reduced version of his famous statue to the city. The statue overlooked a fountain adorned with bronze lion heads until World War II.

During the German occupation in 1941, the statue was dismantled and melted as part of the recovery of non-ferrous metals. In the year 2000, a smaller resin copy was erected, and a tribute to the September 11 victims was added later.

Bordeaux’s Statue of Liberty was not the only sculpture to suffer during the war. Statues of Vercingetorix and Louis XVI underwent similar fates, showcasing the cultural losses experienced during this period. Subject to regular degradation, the French sculptor’s work underwent restoration and was reinstalled in its original location in March 2012, preserving a piece of art and history for future generations.

The story of Bordeaux’s Statue of Liberty provides a fascinating glimpse into French culture, international relations, and the resilience of art. Through its various phases of existence, destruction, and renewal, the statue symbolizes both historical events and the enduring human spirit that seeks to memorialize and celebrate freedom.