Change in colors over the years
The Statue of Liberty and the Color Change of Copper Over Time
When installed in 1886, the surface of the Statue of Liberty consisted of new copper sheets with a bright orange-gold color.
Over time, the copper reacts with atmospheric elements such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture, resulting in a gradual oxidation process.
After several months, the surface begins to darken into a bronze tone. After about one year, it turns dark brown, approaching black, due to the formation of copper oxide layers.
After approximately five years, a layer of copper carbonate-known as patina-starts to develop, and the green color gradually appears. By the tenth year, this coating covers most of the surface. After about twenty years, the distinctive blue-green patina is fully formed.
This final layer serves as a protective barrier that reduces further corrosion of the metal, helping to preserve the statue for more than a century.