LIBERTY
ARMATURE BARS
A NATIONAL TREASURE ACQUIRED FROM LIBERTY’S 1986 RESTORATION
The history of the statue, its restoration, and the ongoing stewardship of the collection have all been passionately documented and curated by the current private owner. This endeavor seeks to ensure that a national treasure continues to inspire generations to come.
To learn more about our journey with Lady Liberty view our documentary video below.
LONG LIVE LIBERTY
Lady Liberty was designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and engineered by Gustaf Eiffel, who, at the time, stood as the only engineer in the world able to undertake such a feat. Eiffel designed the inner body workings of the statue like a ribcage, thus, Liberty’s skin is not load-bearing but is instead supported by a skeletal substructure of a 92-foot central pylon girded with lightweight and curved armature bars that assume the contours of Lady Liberty’s figure.
ARMATURE BARS
NO TWO BARS ARE ALIKE
Creating the striking contours of Lady Liberty, no two of the armature bars are alike. Each bar was crafted by Eiffel himself.
Lady Liberty’s bars vary from 2 to 5+ feet long, and their weight varies from 10-50 lbs each. Each bar was constructed to fit a specific curvature of her dress and body.
1986 RESTORATION
Cared for by the National Park Service, a comprehensive restoration of Lady Liberty was ordered by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 necessitating the replacement of a substantial portion of her interior, including many of her original armature bars.
The armature bars came into the stewardship of American-Armenian entrepreneur and businesswoman, Carolyn Rafaelian. Rafaelian, an ingenious creative, intends to showcase the bars in a way that honors the deep messaging and symbology of Liberty.
”In 2004, Carolyn Rafaelian started her own jewelry company, which has grown to 80 stores worldwide.”
Jenna Schoenefeld for The New York Times
LIBERTY’S KEEPER:
Carolyn Rafaelian
Built in 1894, Belcourt of Newport is a former summer cottage designed by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt, who is also known for creating the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Belcourt is located on historic Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island.
Since being purchased by its current owner, Carolyn Rafaelian, in 2012, Belcourt has undergone a series of major restorations. The mansion is now once again a hub for visionaries and movements, serving as a museum and a center to promote arts and culture.
LIBERTY’S HOME:
Belcourt of Newport
Lady Liberty's original interior has served as the inspiration for a diverse array of new and unique works, each embodying her profound message of freedom. Twenty of the original armature bars are currently on display at the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
In 2015, Barack Obama gifted Pope Francis a bespoke metal sculpture portraying an ascending dove, universally recognized as a symbol of peace. This personalized creation was meticulously crafted from one of the original armature bars, as depicted above.
In 2019, Orange County Choppers skillfully fashioned the Liberty Bike (featured on right), made out of original materials from the statue, now proudly showcased at Belcourt.
A NATIONAL TREASURE
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.