The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World; French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York, in the United States. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
The Statue of Liberty is a figure of Libertas, a robed Roman liberty goddess. She holds a torch above her head with her right hand, and in her left hand carries a tabula ansata inscribed in Roman numerals with “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI” (July 4, 1776), the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. A broken shackle and chain lie at her feet as she walks forward, commemorating the recent national abolition of slavery. After its dedication, the statue became an icon of freedom and of the United States; it has been a welcoming sight to immigrants arriving by sea.
No charge is made for entrance to the national monument, but there is a cost for the ferry service that all visitors must use, as private boats may not dock at the island. All ferry riders are subject to security screening, similar to airport procedures, prior to boarding. Visitors intending to enter the statue’s base and pedestal must obtain a complimentary museum/pedestal ticket along with their ferry ticket. Those wishing to climb the staircase within the statue to the crown purchase a special ticket, which may be reserved up to a year in advance. A total of 240 people per day are permitted to ascend: ten per group, three groups per hour. Climbers may bring only medication and cameras—lockers are provided for other items—and must undergo a second security screening.
Crown Tickets
Statue of Liberty crown tickets are available only through Statue Cruises; they must be purchased in advance either by telephone or online. If you arrive at a departure location and want to purchase a crown ticket, you’ll be out of luck.
To gain crown access, you must purchase a Statue Cruises Reserve Ticket with Crown Access. Visit statuecruises.com or call 201-604-2800 to purchase and reserve a departure time.
There are only 365 crown tickets available each day, and they sell out far in advance, so we recommend calling as early as possible to get your crown ticket. There is a maximum of four crown reservations allowed per order. Also, keep in mind that children need to be at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall to visit the crown.
Your crown ticket includes your ferry trip to and from the Islands, as well as admission to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, so you don’t need to purchase those separately. You also get an Audio Tour with your crown ticket, available in several different languages.
Once you’ve purchased your crown ticket from Statue Cruises, here are some things that might be helpful as you plan your visit:
- Pick up your tickets at the Will Call window; you must show your photo ID and credit card used to purchase the tickets.
- All crown ticket holders must show photo ID and ticket prior to entering the Statue, and the name on the ID must match the name on the ticket.
- Only the following items are allowed inside the Statue of Liberty: one camera per person (no camera bags); your ticket; and any necessary medication. All other items must be secured in a locker. Lockers are available for $2/hour, cash only.
- The climb to the crown is strenuous; there are 393 steps from the main lobby to the crown and there is no air conditioning. Elevator access goes only as high as the Pedestal. The National Park Service recommends that crown visitors have no significant physical or medical conditions that would impair their ability to complete the climb.
- The only restrooms are in the lobby, 393 steps from the crown.
Visit the statue as it allows millions more visitors to enjoy the Statue of Liberty experience and be inspired by her history and message of freedom and opportunity.
