Around the time of its 100th birthday, the Statue of Liberty underwent a major restoration. Between 1984 and 1986, damaged elements of the statue were repaired or replaced, including the torch and armature bars connecting the statue’s copper exterior to its inner structural support system. Scaffolding was constructed around the statue for workers to complete this restoration. A four-day gala was held around July 4, 1986, to celebrate the end of the project.

Funds for the restoration came from private donors and were raised by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.