Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty - the most important information

The main symbol not just of New York but the whole country of the United States is the Statue of Liberty. The full name of this monumental Statue is Liberty Enlightening the World. Once, it was a symbol of French and American friendship, but today is much more. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island, dedicated to it. The other part of the complex devoted to this part of America’s history is the nearby Ellis Island. They together represent one of the most visited attractions in New York.

About the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a gift France made for the United States in 1875. The sculptor who built it, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, began his work in France. The Statue represents the Roman goddess of liberty, Libertas. In her right hand, she holds a torch above her head. In the left hand, she has tabula ansata, with the date of the Declaration of Independence (4th of July, the date when the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain was announced). After the Statue was completed, it was transported to the USA in parts and then put together on Liberty Island, in Manhattan. The Statue in numbers- The Statue of Liberty is 93 meters high, including the pedestal underneath, the torch is 8.8 meters high, and its seven spikes on the crown represent seven continents and seven seas of the world. Two decks were open for visitors to climb, one in the pedestal and one in the crown. In the past, the torch was also opened for visitors, but after it was damaged during World War I, it has remained closed ever since.

What to see when visiting the Statue of Liberty?

Being on Liberty Island, the Statue is surrounded by a park and other attractions that honor democracy and liberty. Here's what you'll get to see:

The Statue of Liberty Museum - This is the museum dedicated to the most significant symbol of the United States. Inside the museum, different interactive exhibitions will lead you through the history of liberty. Immersive Theater, an Engagement Gallery, and an Inspiration Gallery show video-display of Statue’s construction and the whole project of making and setting it up. The main piece of the exhibition is the original torch which was damaged in the explosion in 1916. It was impossible to repair it, so it was replaced by a new torch in 1985.
National Museum of Immigration - When visiting Liberty Island, it’s impossible to miss Ellis Island. There, you can see the National Museum of Immigration and learn the entire story of the Statue and American Immigration period.
Statue of Liberty Museum Shop - After visiting the colossal Statue, go to the gift shop and buy presents and souvenirs with motifs of this great American symbol.

Tickets and opening hours of Statue of Liberty

Opening hours - The Statue of Liberty is open for visitors every day from 8.30 am to 4 pm. Unfortunately, both decks are closed for visitors, and it is impossible to climb them.
Ticket prices - It is important to know that entrance to the Statue and the Museums is free, but you will have to pay the ferry to get you to the islands. The price of the ferry ride is $18 for adults, $14 for senior citizens, $9 for children 4-12 years old, and free to children 3 and under. In order to avoid waiting in very long lines, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance, so you can save precious time.

How to get to the Statue of Liberty?
Since the Statue is located on the island, there is not much but one way to get to it.

Ferry - As already said, you’ll need to take the ferry to get to the Statue of Liberty. Keep in mind that only one vendor and ferry company can provide you with rides and tickets. Others don’t have that permission. You can take the ferry in two places, Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. You can take the ferry every 40 minutes during the opening hours of the Statue.