23915 E 26th Ave, Aurora, CO

A 58-foot Statue of Liberty has landed in Aurora, Colorado—and she’s anything but traditional. Crafted from mirror-polished stainless steel, this modern reimagining titled “Liberty” now stands at Hogan Park at Highlands Creek, within the Aurora Highlands development.

Created by Belgian artist Michael Benisty, the six-story sculpture debuted at Burning Man in 2024 before being transported from Nevada to the Colorado plains. With a reflective surface that mirrors the viewer and surrounding landscape, Liberty symbolizes transformation, unity, and self-reflection.

Benisty explains: “Liberty is a representation of the universal power of harmony, aspiration, and personal growth. It encourages viewers to engage with their own sense of freedom.”

Carla Ferreira, CEO of The Aurora Highlands, first encountered the piece at Burning Man. Instantly moved, she knew it belonged in Aurora—a city often called “The Ellis Island of the Plains” for its deep immigrant roots and cultural diversity. “It needed to live somewhere where everyone could experience it,” she said.

The installation reflects Aurora’s identity and growing cultural footprint. As one of Colorado’s most diverse cities, home to over 160 languages, Aurora was a deliberate choice. Liberty’s presence sends a message: freedom, inclusion, and self-expression aren’t just ideas—they’re lived experiences here.

The statue joins a growing collection of public art at Hogan Park, a two-mile linear greenway devoted to sculpture and civic space. Liberty is its new centerpiece—gleaming in daylight, glowing at twilight, and visible from miles away along I-70.

Installing a 22,000-pound statue wasn’t easy. Liberty was transported in sections and assembled by a 12-person crew using two cranes. Despite the challenge, the Aurora Highlands team delivered it on schedule, working closely with city engineers to meet safety standards.

Locals have embraced the statue with pride. Mayor Mike Coffman called it a “bold, forward-thinking addition” to the city. School field trips are already in the works, and community groups see it as a new hub for public engagement.

More than just art, Liberty stands as a symbol of Aurora’s evolving identity. It’s not just about where people come from—it’s about where they’re going.