The statue is hollow and sits at the entrance to New York Harbor. Sculptor Frederic Bartholdi designed it, with much technical input from engineer Gustave Eiffel. American architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the pedestal. Together, they found a way to make this colossal statue withstand over a hundred years of wear and tear. For many immigrants making their way to America from 1886 onwards, it has been a significant welcoming sign. At the time, the Statue of Liberty was considered a very important bridge between art and engineering. Today, it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in the entire country.
Unique Things to See and Do Near the Statue of Liberty
- Take a cruise to the statue
- Visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum
- See the views from the Crown – the equivalent of climbing a 22-story building!
- Visit the Stone Pedestal
- Spend time in the Liberty Island Museum
- Visit nearby Castle Clinton National Monument
- See Governors Island National Monument
Information on Statue of Liberty
Yes, you can visit (and climb inside) the Statue of Liberty, but first you must go through a security checkpoint. The statue is open year-round, except on Christmas Day. Hours will vary depending on the season.
When you purchase a ferry ticket, the Pedestal access is included. However, there is a small fee for climbing into the Crown. Museum passes will also cost extra.
Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the Statue of Liberty! There’s more to see and do than you might think, and you certainly don’t want to rush the experience. Show up earlier in the day to avoid this issue. You can also pack your own picnic to eat on the grounds.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to see the Statue of Liberty’s original torch either. It’s hosted inside the museum.
Getting to Statue of Liberty
It is only possible to reach the Statue of Liberty via a ferry operated by Statue Cruises. No other ferries or private vessels are permitted. These ferries run regularly and leave from either Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, or Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
It’s a good idea to book your ticket in advance, at least during the peak season of summer. Autumn and spring are both good times to visit, but winter can be quite cold.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most visited attractions in New York City, so you’ll have no trouble planning your visit, especially if you’re staying somewhere in Manhattan.
Did you know…?
The Statue of Liberty’s face is apparently modelled after the sculptor’s mother.
Did you ALSO know…?
The Statue of Liberty measures 93 metres high and weighs 204 metric tonnes. Her shoe size is 879.
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