5 reasons the Statue of Liberty is hipper than you think

Lisa Respers France, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 9:31 AM EDT, Tue October 28, 2014
Today marks the 130th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, which arrived in New York from France on June 17, 1885.
Today marks the 130th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, which arrived in New York from France on June 17, 1885.
Carlo Allegri/Reuters/Landov
The statue, designed by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, towers over Paris rooftops during construction in 1884. It was a gift from the people of France to commemorate 100 years of Franco-American friendship as well as the centennial of America's independence.
The statue, designed by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, towers over Paris rooftops during construction in 1884. It was a gift from the people of France to commemorate 100 years of Franco-American friendship as well as the centennial of America's independence.
Agence Papyrus/AP Phot
Refugee children from England arrive in New York Harbor in 1940.
Refugee children from England arrive in New York Harbor in 1940.
Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The towering skyline of downtown Manhattan is seen behind the statue in 1950.
The towering skyline of downtown Manhattan is seen behind the statue in 1950.
Frederic Lewis/Archive Photos/Getty Images
The New York Harbor and the World Trade Center building are seen behind the statue in 1980.
The New York Harbor and the World Trade Center building are seen behind the statue in 1980.
AP Photo
Workers remove scaffolding from around the statue's torch after restoration work in 1985.
Workers remove scaffolding from around the statue's torch after restoration work in 1985.
PAUL DEMARIA/AFP/Getty Images
In November 1995, a federal budget crisis caused Liberty Island to close to tourists.
In November 1995, a federal budget crisis caused Liberty Island to close to tourists.
Adam Nadel/AP Photo
The Statue of Liberty sports a milk mustache in this 1995 ad.
The Statue of Liberty sports a milk mustache in this 1995 ad.
National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board/AP Photo
A representation of a giant glass of Guinness is lowered over the Statue of Liberty to publicize the city's first Irish Music & Arts Festival in 1997.
A representation of a giant glass of Guinness is lowered over the Statue of Liberty to publicize the city's first Irish Music & Arts Festival in 1997.
Glyn Genin/AP Photo
The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy is anchored in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty in 2000.
The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy is anchored in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty in 2000.
Stuart Ramson/AP Photo
The Statue of Liberty is shrouded in smoke on September 15, 2001, four days after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
The Statue of Liberty is shrouded in smoke on September 15, 2001, four days after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
Dan Loh/AP Photo
The New York City skyline, as seen from Bayonne, New Jersey, in October 2001.
The New York City skyline, as seen from Bayonne, New Jersey, in October 2001.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
The statue's pedestal reopens to visitors on August 3, 2004 -- the first time since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The statue's pedestal reopens to visitors on August 3, 2004 -- the first time since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images
A New York Waterway ferry moves along the water as the sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty in 2004.
A New York Waterway ferry moves along the water as the sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty in 2004.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
The Statue of Liberty is lit to show the contours of the sculpture in 2006, during a special show by French champagne maker Moet & Chandon.
The Statue of Liberty is lit to show the contours of the sculpture in 2006, during a special show by French champagne maker Moet & Chandon.
STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images
The Statue of Liberty from above in 2007.
The Statue of Liberty from above in 2007.
STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images
An aerial view of New York Harbor shows Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and Manhattan in 2007.
An aerial view of New York Harbor shows Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and Manhattan in 2007.
STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images
Clouds roll in over the Statue of Liberty in 2008.
Clouds roll in over the Statue of Liberty in 2008.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images
The statue's crown reopens to the public on July 4, 2008. It had been closed since the September 11 attacks.
The statue's crown reopens to the public on July 4, 2008. It had been closed since the September 11 attacks.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images
A replica of the Dutch ship Half Moon sails past the Statue of Liberty in September 2009, commemorating Henry Hudson's entry into New York Harbor in 1609.
A replica of the Dutch ship Half Moon sails past the Statue of Liberty in September 2009, commemorating Henry Hudson's entry into New York Harbor in 1609.
DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images
A memorial that echoes the shape of the World Trade Center towers is illuminated on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
A memorial that echoes the shape of the World Trade Center towers is illuminated on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images
Fireworks explode over the Statue of Liberty on October 28, 2011, the anniversary of its dedication.
Fireworks explode over the Statue of Liberty on October 28, 2011, the anniversary of its dedication.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The sun rises in front of the Statue of Liberty before the start of ceremonies on October 28, 2011.
The sun rises in front of the Statue of Liberty before the start of ceremonies on October 28, 2011.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images
The Space Shuttle Enterprise passes the statue while being towed on a barge in June 2012.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise passes the statue while being towed on a barge in June 2012.
STAN HONDA/AFP/GettyImages
Rose petals from a helicopter fall around the statue in June 2013.
Rose petals from a helicopter fall around the statue in June 2013.
DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images
Boats pass the statue in May 2013. It had been closed more than six months following Superstorm Sandy.
Boats pass the statue in May 2013. It had been closed more than six months following Superstorm Sandy.
John Moore/Getty Images
Visitors disembark from a ferry in July 2013. It was the first day the attraction reopened after suffering damage from Superstorm Sandy.
Visitors disembark from a ferry in July 2013. It was the first day the attraction reopened after suffering damage from Superstorm Sandy.
Mary Altaffe/AP
An inflatable Rubik's Cube, en route to a science museum, is transported past the statue in July.
An inflatable Rubik's Cube, en route to a science museum, is transported past the statue in July.
Anthony Deprimo/Staten Island Advance/Landov
The Statue of Liberty and the One World Trade Center building are seen at sunset in December.
The Statue of Liberty and the One World Trade Center building are seen at sunset in December.
Alex Trautwig/Getty Images
Statue of Liberty's illustrious history

Story highlights

The Statue of Liberty turns 128 on Tuesday

She's being "dressed up" for Halloween

Her official Twitter account is popular

CNN  — 

Happy birthday, Lady Liberty!

The Statue of Liberty turns 128 on Tuesday, and she’s never looked better. Still tall and regal, you may overlook this American icon because she’s been around for so long. But trust us: She’s kind of a badass.

Here are 5 reasons why:

1. She’s on her #selfie game

Head on over to the “Crown Cam” to check out this hot “statue selfie.” It’s just one of a few cameras set up at EarthCam.com to capture the action on Ellis Island.

2. The hip-hop crowd loves her

Want some street cred? Throw a line in your rap song about La Liberty, and it’s all good. From Jay Z’s “Empire State of Mind” (“Statue of Liberty, long live the World Trade”) to Ludacris’ “Undisputed” (“So put ya fist up, even the Statue of Liberty lit a flame for the way that I lit my wrist up”), she is hailed.

3. She celebrates holidays

The Statue of Liberty will reportedly do some crossdressing for Halloween.

Designer Nick Graham has said he will outfit her in a few bow ties to celebrate both the holiday and the launch of his new menswear line. The 60-foot, 35-pound bow ties won’t actually be draped around the statue but will be flown near it using helicopters for a quick photo op.

“I was just thinking of something that would be fun to do, dressing up something very large,” Graham told ABC News. “Mount Rushmore is too far from here, so the next best thing is the Statue of Liberty.”

Speaking of costumes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – and there’s a “sexy Statue of Liberty” outfit for sale.

4. She’s all about social media

It would be a monumental misstep if Lady Liberty wasn’t on Twitter, right?

The statue often retweets fans sharing their experiences visiting her. And she has a Facebook page that features facts and historical photos.

Now we’re just waiting for her Instagram account.

5. She is a total New Yorker

Cosmopolitan, elegant, tough under pressure and a survivor (remember when she closed during the government shutdown?), it’s no wonder when TV and movie directors want to show the city in all its glory, there is a shot of her front and center.

Carrie Bradshaw has nothing on you, Lady Liberty.