The Statue of Liberty

Address

Liberty Island
New York, NY 10004

Operation Hours

Monday to Sunday

9:30 am to 5 pm

Accesibility

All boats are handicapped accessible. Wheelchairs are not provided. NOTE: Visitors must be able to climb stairs to reach the top of the pedestal at this time. Caption in theater & audio transcripts are available for the hearing impaired. Touchable models and maps are also available for the sight impaired.

Handicap-accessible drop-off location is also available.

Uncover the secrets of the Statue of Liberty. Explore the history and cultural significance of this iconic American symbol.

Address

New York, New York, 10004

Get Directions

Phone

(212) 561-4588

Getting There

Liberty Island is located in New York Harbor and can only be reached by ferry boat. Ferries operated by Statue City Cruises depart from The Battery in Lower Manhattan in New York City, New York, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Address

New York, New York, 10004

Get Directions

The Statue of Liberty, an enduring symbol of freedom, stands proudly in New York Harbor, captivating the hearts of millions as a testament to liberty and democracy. Let’s delve into its rich history and explore the exciting things you can do when visiting this iconic landmark.

 

History: A Gift from France to the United States

Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The statue’s copper facade, crafted by Gustave Eiffel, has weathered over time, developing its distinctive green patina.

 

Symbolism: Illuminating the Path to Freedom

Standing at 305 feet (93 meters) from base to torch, Lady Liberty’s torch symbolizes enlightenment, guiding the way to freedom. The broken chains at her feet signify liberation from oppression, and her seven-rayed crown represents the unity of the seven continents.

 

Things to Do at the Statue of Liberty

Aside from taking in the breathtaking beauty of this historical architecture, there is also a wide array of options you can choose from to make your visit to Lady Liberty more memorable and more special. Choose from this carefully curated list we have for you, or do all of these for a better experience!

1. Statue and Pedestal Access

Explore the museum on Liberty Island, offering insights into the statue’s history and construction. Ascend to the pedestal for a closer view and learn about the statue’s significance.

2. Crown Climb

For the adventurous, climb the 354 steps to the crown for a panoramic view of New York Harbor. Booking tickets in advance is essential due to limited availability.

3. Liberty Island

Nestled in the harbor of the bustling metropolis, Liberty Island is home to the iconic Statue of Liberty. Visitors can explore the island, marvel at the statue’s grandeur, and soak in panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. A visit to Liberty Island is a quintessential New York experience, blending history, beauty, and the enduring spirit of liberty.

4. Statue Cruise

Take a ferry with Statue Cruises to Liberty Island, combining your visit with a trip to Ellis Island, where you can explore the Immigration Museum and discover more about the immigrant experience.

5. Evening Cruises

Experience the statue’s majestic beauty at dusk with an evening cruise. Witness the city lights and the statue illuminated against the night sky for a truly magical experience.

 

The Statue of Liberty Holds More Than Just Old Memories

The Statue of Liberty is more than a historic monument; it’s an invitation to explore the essence of freedom and the stories of those who sought a new life in America. Whether you’re absorbing its history, ascending to the crown, or enjoying the scenic surroundings, a visit to the Statue of Liberty promises a memorable adventure.

  • “Breathtaking at night whilst on a cruise down the Hudson River. The image of her shining bright is one I will keep with me forever” – Diane and Anthony (Barry, UK through Tripadvisor)
  • “Great experience, definitely pay and do the city cruise to see it close up. The island is beautiful and kept so clean. Worth spending for the ticket to see this up close” – SMiriah (Oldham, UK through Tripadvisor)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ferry boats depart daily from New York City’s Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan and Liberty State Park in the Central Railroad Terminal of New Jersey.

Each customer may reserve a maximum of 4 tickets. Only one reservation is allowed during any 6 months. Children must be at least 42 inches tall. Names of all ticket users must be provided at the time of purchase to be printed on the tickets. When presenting the tickets to access the Statue of Liberty Island, each ticket holder will be required to show a photo ID (except for minors without ID) matching the name printed on the ticket. The person purchasing tickets must be the person attending the tour. CROWN TICKETS CANNOT BE CANCELED.

National Park Service rangers will be on-site at all times to assist visitors. Since the statue is not air-conditioned, interior temperatures can be 20 degrees higher than the outside. On hot days visitors should drink water at least 30 minutes before the climb. There are no restrooms inside the statue itself. The climb is strenuous and not without risk, and the National Park Service recommends that crown visitors have no significant physical or mental conditions that would impair their ability to complete it, including, but not limited to: heart and respiratory conditions, mobility impairments, claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights) or vertigo (dizziness).

Sailing time to each island is approximately 15 minutes. If you remain on the boat for the ride only without visiting either monument, it will be one hour and fifteen minutes. If you visit both islands the time depends on the time you spend on both islands. There can be long waits which can cause delays. Arrive early, especially if you have a time-pass reservation.