Halfway between Town Square and Central Plaza in Liberty Arcade is the Statue of Liberty Tableau.
In keeping with the layout of Liberty Arcade, which vividly brings to life the history of the Statue of Liberty from its construction and inauguration to its impact from the beginning to the start of the 20th century, the Statue of Liberty Tableau is located precisely where the arcade tells the story of the statue's transport to the United States and its inauguration.
The entrance to the Statue of Liberty Tableau is easy to miss. It is hidden behind a red curtain about halfway down the passageway. But once you find it, you will discover a small walk-through attraction, not particularly spectacular, but meticulously designed with love and care to underscore the spirit of the Liberty Arcade. If you are not yet familiar with this somewhat hidden little attraction, be sure to check it out on your next visit.
The Statue of Liberty Tableau offers a short animated scene about the history of the Statue of Liberty. This scene, which lasts a few minutes, depicts key moments in the statue's history, from its conception by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi to its installation in New York Harbour.
Visitors see the illuminated statue standing on its small island at the entrance to New York Harbour – and just as it was for many visitors and immigrants to the USA, their first glimpse of their new country, their new life, their new freedom – all in the style of the time of its inauguration on 28 October 1886, of course.
You may wonder why the Statue of Liberty is being honoured in this way in a theme park in France. The answer is quite simple. The statue was created by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and was a gift from France to the USA. It was intended to express the close ties between the two nations, and today it is probably the most famous symbol of the USA, a beacon of hope and freedom that transcends borders.
