Few symbols embody the friendship between France and the United States more powerfully than the Statue of Liberty. Yet before Lady Liberty welcomed generations of newcomers to New York Harbor, her story began in Colmar, a picturesque Alsatian city of vineyards, colorful half-timbered houses, and storybook canals.
The Man Behind the Monument
Born in Colmar in 1834, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi would go on to create one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Trained as an architect and artist in Paris, Bartholdi developed a passion for monumental sculpture that would define his career.
In 1871, Bartholdi traveled to the United States to promote an ambitious project first proposed by French historian and politician Édouard de Laboulaye: a monumental gift from the people of France to commemorate American independence and celebrate the friendship between the two nations. After years of fundraising and collaboration on both sides of the Atlantic, that vision became the Statue of Liberty, inaugurated in New York Harbor in 1886.
While Lady Liberty would become a symbol of the United States, Bartholdi never forgot his Alsatian roots. Today, visitors can explore the Bartholdi Museum, housed in his former family home in the heart of Colmar. The museum showcases sketches, models, personal belongings, and works that offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and creative process of the man behind one of the world's most enduring symbols.
Beyond the museum, traces of Bartholdi's legacy can be found throughout the city. A replica of the Statue of Liberty welcomes visitors arriving in Colmar, while monuments and sculptures created by Bartholdi can be discovered as you wander the town's picturesque streets.
Lady Liberty's Origin Story
The Bartholdi Museum in Colmar, housed in the artist's former family home.
The story of the Statue of Liberty began in the nineteenth century when French historian and politician Édouard de Laboulaye proposed a monument celebrating the friendship between France and the United States and the shared ideals of liberty and democracy.
Bartholdi transformed that vision into reality, designing a monumental figure that would become known around the world as Lady Liberty. While the statue would ultimately stand in New York Harbor, it was conceived, designed, and constructed in France before making its journey across the Atlantic as a gift from the French people to the United States.
Dedicated in New York in 1886, the Statue of Liberty remains one of the most enduring symbols of Franco-American friendship and a powerful reminder of the ties that continue to unite both nations.
Discover Colmar and Alsace
Little Venice (La Petite Venise), one of Colmar's most picturesque neighborhoods.
Beyond its connection to Lady Liberty, Colmar is one of France's most enchanting destinations. Wander through the colorful canals of Little Venice, admire centuries-old half-timbered houses, and explore a town where French and German influences have blended to create a distinctive culture and architectural heritage.
Colmar also serves as the perfect gateway to the Alsace Wine Route, one of France's most scenic driving journeys. Vineyards stretch across rolling hills, connecting picturesque villages such as Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr, each offering its own blend of history, gastronomy, and local traditions.
Whether enjoying a glass of Riesling, browsing a local market, or strolling through flower-lined streets, visitors quickly discover that Colmar offers much more than a fascinating connection to American history—it is a destination worthy of exploration in its own right.
Practical Information
📍 Bartholdi Museum
30 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France
Located in the heart of Colmar's historic center, the Bartholdi Museum can easily be combined with a day exploring the city's picturesque streets, canals, museums, and local markets. Visitors can also use Colmar as a base to discover the villages of the Alsace Wine Route, including Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr.
Colmar is easily accessible by high-speed train from Paris in just over two hours and is also well connected to Strasbourg, making it an ideal addition to an Alsace itinerary. The city can be explored on foot, with many of its most notable sites located within a short walk of one another.
Plan your visit: Official Colmar Tourism Website | Bartholdi Museum
