To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, France will present a light display at the Statue of Liberty, one of New York’s most recognizable landmarks. The event will celebrate the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The special production has been described as a large-scale artistic event that will transform the famous monument with innovative lighting effects. Rather than taking place live, the performance will be recorded in advance and aired by ABC as the opening feature of its extensive Independence Day coverage on July 4.

According to the French Consulate in New York, the project has been designed to showcase the Statue of Liberty from perspectives rarely seen before, highlighting both its emotional significance and its role as a universal symbol of freedom and hope.

French Consul in New York Cédrik Fouriscot explained that the initiative reflects more than two centuries of close relations between France and the United States. He noted that the anniversary provided an ideal opportunity to create a memorable tribute celebrating the historic partnership between the two countries.

The production is entirely financed by private sponsorship and aims to showcase French creativity, artistic talent, and technological expertise. Because the Statue of Liberty is managed by the National Park Service, organizers spent several months obtaining the necessary approvals before the project could move forward.

The monument itself has deep French roots. Sculpted by Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty was originally designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc before Gustave Eiffel took over following Viollet-le-Duc’s death. France officially presented the statue to the United States in 1886, and it has since become one of America’s most celebrated landmarks and a global symbol of liberty.

The light show is just one part of France’s contribution to the anniversary celebrations. Earlier this month, the Patrouille de France, the French Air and Space Force’s aerobatic demonstration team, performed a spectacular flyover above New York Harbor. On June 9, eight Alpha Jets streaked across the Manhattan skyline, leaving trails in the blue, white, and red colors of the French flag while passing over the Statue of Liberty.

The festivities will conclude on July 4 with another ceremonial flyover above New York. The formation will include eight Alpha Jets, each featuring both the American and French flags on their tail fins for the occasion. They will be joined by an A400M military transport aircraft and two reserve aircraft, with a support team of approximately 85 military personnel.

As the United States marks a milestone in its history, France’s artistic tribute and aerial displays serve as a reminder of the long-standing alliance between the two nations and the shared values that have connected them for nearly 250 years.