An AI-generated video showing the Statue of Liberty being polished to a shiny bronze color has captured millions of views on social media. The video shows the famous monument being restored to what appears to be its original metallic state. However, experts have warned that attempting such a restoration in reality would cause serious damage to the structure.
The viral video, which garnered over 10 million views on X, presents an interesting visual but one that misunderstands the nature of the statue’s green appearance. The distinctive green color that the Statue of Liberty displays today is not dirt or tarnish that needs cleaning. Instead, it is a protective layer that has formed naturally over more than a century of exposure to New York Harbor’s harsh environment.
