Special screening - Lady Liberty, Secrets of an Icon
October 23, 2026 · 6:30 PM
Lycée Français De New York, 505 E 75th St
A screening of Julien Johan’s 90-minute documentary about Bartholdi, the creation and financing of the Statue of Liberty, and its symbolism at its 1886 inauguration; presented in French with English subtitles.
Watch a 90-minute documentary about the Statue of Liberty’s creation and fundraising, in French with English subtitles and free admission with RSVP.
A film by **Gedeon** **Programmes** made for **PBS et ARTE** Directed by **Julien Johan** Running Time: **90 mins** **In French with English subtitles. [Free with RSVP.](https://culturalcenter.lfny.org/event/lady-liberty/)** Visionary artist and skilled self-promoter, **Bartholdi** pioneered inventive fundraising campaigns in France and the United States, an early form of crowdfunding, to finance the **Statue of Liberty**. The film traces his transatlantic journeys, the statue’s gradual creation, and the powerful symbolism it carried at its inauguration in October 1886. Alongside Bartholdi, it highlights key figures such as Édouard de Laboulaye, who conceived the idea of the gift, and Joseph Pulitzer, whose press campaign mobilized public support to complete the funding.