Exhibition "Auguste Bartholdi – Liberty Enlightening the World" Musée d'Orsay from September 15, 2026 to January 31, 2027

1/1

Discover the world of Auguste Bartholdi through an exceptional exhibition dedicated to the creation of the Statue of Liberty. Explore his artistic journey, the technical challenges, and the fascinating history of this work, which has become a global symbol of freedom. An unmissable cultural experience at the Musée d’Orsay for visitors of all ages.

Favorite

€17.50

Exhibition

Admission to permanent collections and exhibitions

Exhibition dedicated to Auguste Bartholdi
From September 15, 2026, to January 31, 2027
Discover the history of the Statue of Liberty
Sketches, studies, artworks, and historical documents
Design secrets and technical challenges
Immersive virtual reality experience
At the Musée d’Orsay in Paris
Late-night opening on Thursdays until 9:45 PM

€17.50

Select

Reservation

What to expect

Some works of art transcend their era to become universal symbols. This is precisely the case with the Statue of Liberty, a world-renowned monument that has embodied the values of liberty, hope, and fraternity for over a century. With the exhibition "Auguste Bartholdi – Liberty Enlightening the World," the Musée d'Orsay invites visitors to discover the incredible human, artistic, and technical journey that led to the creation of this monumental sculpture. It is a fascinating visit that offers insight into Auguste Bartholdi's creative genius and the historical context in which his most famous work came into being.

Book your tickets for the exhibition "Auguste Bartholdi – Liberty Enlightening the World" at the Musée d'Orsay

Designed for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the career of one of the greatest French sculptors of the 19th century. Through a rich and carefully curated exhibition path, visitors discover the various stages that led to the creation of one of the planet's most iconic monuments.

This retrospective is organized to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence—a commemoration that lends special resonance to the exhibition. It highlights the historical ties uniting France and the United States, as well as the immense artistic legacy left by Bartholdi.

Throughout the visit, the public follows the project's evolution from its initial sketches to its inauguration in New York in the late 19th century. The various galleries allow visitors to understand how an ambitious idea gradually transformed into a monumental work recognized worldwide. The exhibition also sheds light on the many challenges encountered during the design and construction of this extraordinary sculpture.

The exhibition focuses on more than just the final result. It also reveals the artist's daily work, his imagination, and his aesthetic explorations, as well as the technical innovations that made the construction of such a massive statue possible. This behind-the-scenes look offers a fresh perspective on a work known to millions, even if its history is not always familiar to them.

Visitors also discover the vital collaborations that brought this exceptional project to fruition. The meeting of artistic craftsmanship and the engineering breakthroughs of the era highlights the project's extraordinary modernity. Each section of the exhibition sheds new light on the creation of this monument, which has become a true international icon.

The exhibition showcases numerous works, documents, studies, and historical artifacts that place Auguste Bartholdi's career in context. It demonstrates that his talent extended far beyond the Statue of Liberty, encompassing a career rich in monumental projects.

To provide an even more immersive experience, a virtual reality feature complements the exhibition. This experience transports visitors to the heart of the Statue of Liberty's creation process, from the fabrication workshops to its final installation. This interactive approach allows visitors to fully appreciate the monument's immense scale and the colossal effort required to build it.

Located in the heart of Paris, the Musée d'Orsay provides an ideal setting for this exhibition. Housed in the former Orsay railway station, the museum is recognized today as one of the most important institutions dedicated to the art of the second half of the 19th century. Its remarkable architecture and rich collections create an exceptional environment that naturally extends the experience of this temporary exhibition.

A visit here fits easily into a day of cultural exploration in the capital. After exploring the world of Auguste Bartholdi, visitors can enjoy the museum's extensive permanent collections, which include masterpieces of painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and photography. The exhibition runs from September 15, 2026, to January 31, 2027, giving you plenty of time to visit. However, certain periods—such as school holidays, weekends, and the year-end festive season—traditionally attract large numbers of visitors. Booking tickets in advance allows you to choose the time slot that best fits your schedule and avoid the risk of tickets being sold out.

The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Late-night opening is available every Thursday until 9:45 p.m., offering an ideal opportunity to enjoy a visit in a quieter atmosphere during the evening. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Tickets are available in several price categories. The standard timed-entry ticket is €16, while the reduced rate is €13. A "Child & Companion" rate is also available for €13. Visitors wishing to attend the Thursday late-night opening can take advantage of a special rate of €12. Certain categories of visitors may also qualify for free admission, subject to current conditions.

Booking in advance offers many advantages. In addition to guaranteeing entry on your preferred day, it allows you to plan your visit with peace of mind and minimize waiting times upon arrival. High-demand time slots can fill up quickly, especially during exhibitions dedicated to world-renowned artists or major historical events.

This exhibition will appeal to sculpture enthusiasts and history buffs alike, as well as students, families, and international visitors eager to learn more about the origins of a monument that has become a true global icon. Its diverse content offers everyone the chance to discover lesser-known aspects of Bartholdi’s career and the immense challenge involved in creating the Statue of Liberty.

The exhibition route is also accessible to visitors with disabilities, thanks to the museum's dedicated facilities, ensuring that as many people as possible can fully enjoy this cultural experience.

Whether you are fascinated by great artistic achievements, curious about Franco-American history, or simply looking for an enriching exhibition during your stay in Paris, "Auguste Bartholdi – Liberty Enlightening the World" is an unmissable experience. Book your tickets now and go behind the scenes of the creation of a masterpiece that continues to inspire millions of people around the world to this day.

Schedule

Available every day except on Monday
Schedule: 9:30 am

Organize a group visit at the heart of history

Are you organizing an event for a group of more than 10 people?

Give your group a fascinating immersion into the world of Auguste Bartholdi and the Statue of Liberty. Fill out the request form now to prepare a visit tailored to your needs and enjoy an enriching cultural experience at the Musée d'Orsay.

Feel free to contact us at +33-1-48-74-05-10 for any requests.

Common questions

What is the "Auguste Bartholdi – Liberty Enlightening the World" exhibition?

This exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay traces the life and work of Auguste Bartholdi, the famous French sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty. It showcases his artistic journey, his research, and the creation of this work, which has become an international symbol.

Why visit this exhibition on Bartholdi?

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to understand the history behind the Statue of Liberty. It reveals the artist’s inspirations, the monument’s design stages, and the many innovations required to bring it to life.

What can visitors discover during the visit?

Visitors discover artworks, documents, and other elements that provide insight into Bartholdi’s creative process. The exhibition also outlines the various development phases of his monumental project.

Is the Statue of Liberty the centerpiece of the exhibition?

Yes, the Statue of Liberty plays a major role in the exhibition. The display explains how the sculpture envisioned by Bartholdi became a universal symbol representing the values of liberty and hope.

Does the exhibition cover the technical aspects of the statue’s creation?

Yes, it highlights the challenges involved in constructing this monumental work, particularly the methods used to design its structure, assemble it, and bring it to completion with the help of specialists from that era.

Is there an immersive experience included with the exhibition?

Yes, a virtual reality experience accompanies the exhibition. It allows visitors to immerse themselves in Bartholdi’s journey and follow the history of the Statue of Liberty from its initial design to its final installation.

Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak periods. It guarantees access to the exhibition at your preferred date and time.

Is the exhibition suitable for families and groups?

Yes, this exhibition appeals to a wide audience. Families, tour groups, art lovers, and history enthusiasts can enjoy an enriching experience centered on a world-famous masterpiece.

Is the exhibition accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, the Musée d’Orsay provides facilities to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility, those with visual or hearing impairments, and anyone requiring specific assistance.

Who are the exhibition’s curators?

The exhibition is led by François Blanchetière, Chief Curator of Sculpture and Architecture at the Musée d’Orsay, and Juliette Chevée, Director and Curator of the Musée Bartholdi in Colmar.

Why book tickets for this exhibition now?

Booking in advance ensures a stress-free experience at a major cultural event dedicated to one of the world’s most famous monuments. It is an opportunity to discover the history, art, and ingenuity behind the Statue of Liberty.