The imposing Statue of Liberty. A smaller version perhaps? No. This Parisian street holds a secret. It played a vital role in the creation of the iconic New York landmark. Welcome to Rue de Chazelles.
Rue de Chazelles in the 17th arrondissement is more than just a Parisian street. It’s a hidden chapter in a famous story. A story of immense engineering and artistry. This unassuming street in the Plaine de Monceaux neighborhood witnessed a pivotal moment in history.
The street’s namesake is Augustin de Chazelles. He was a Baron of the Empire a prefect and director of Posts. He owned the land where the street was built. Rue de Chazelles wasn’t always as it is today. Before 1971 it started at Rue de Courcelles and Boulevard de Courcelles. The intersection became Place de la République de l’Équateur.
But Rue de Chazelles’ true claim to fame lies within its past. Within its walls stood the Gaget-Gautier workshops. These workshops weren’t just any workshops. They were the place where the Statue of Liberty took shape. In 1878 the colossal statue began its assembly here. The immense copper sheets were hammered and shaped. They were meticulously assembled. Imagine the scene: workers bustling. The giant figure slowly taking form. It was a spectacle. A Paris curiosity as a journalist from Le Temps called it. Even Victor Hugo is said to have explored the statue’s interior.
The workshops at 25 Rue de Chazelles were more than just involved in creating this monumental work of art. They also had a significant presence in the Parisian cityscape. They were notable for their roofing plumbing and metalworking expertise. They even participated in the restoration of the Vendôme Column. This was damaged during the Paris Commune.
After its completion the Statue of Liberty was disassembled. It was transported across the Atlantic. Finally it was inaugurated in New York in 1886. Today number 25 Rue de Chazelles is an ordinary building. It holds no architectural distinction. But it whispers of a time when giants were built on this quiet Parisian street. A street with a secret a grand legacy. Remember this story next time you see Lady Liberty. It began right here on Rue de Chazelles.