Statue of Liberty National Monument

"The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. It was designated as a National Monument in 1924. Employees of the National Park Service have been caring for the colossal copper statue since 1933.

INFORMATION CENTER
Park Rangers can provide answers to questions and information about the Statue’s history and current island operations. Several historic images of the Statue are on display, and park brochures are available. The schedules for Ranger-guided tours and the ferries are posted for public viewing. The National Park Service Passport Validation Stamp is also available.

VISIT THE CROWN
A walk from the ground floor to the Statue of Liberty's crown is roughly equal to walking up a 22 story building! Crown access includes the original torch display, the Liberty Island Museum, and the pedestal observation level. Expect to see panoramic views at the pedestal observation level, limited views of Brooklyn from the crown level, and Alexandre Gustave Eiffel's framework that supports the Statue of Liberty. Anyone visiting the crown must be able to walk up at least 154 steps on a confined spiral staircase.

Crown access is limited. Advanced reservations are required. See our Visiting the Crown page for more information.

VISIT THE PEDESTAL
The Statue of Liberty's stone pedestal was designed by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt. The pedestal was designed to compliment the Statue of Liberty rather than overwhelm it. The structure was constructed and paid for by the United States. The pedestal is roughly half the height of the entire monument. The pedestal offers panoramic views of Ellis Island, New York, New Jersey and the New York Harbor. All pedestal tickets include access to the Liberty Island Museum.

Pedestal access is limited. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. See our Visiting the Pedestal page for more information.

VISIT THE MUSEUM
It took twenty-one years for the Statue of Liberty to progress from an idea in the mind of Edouard de Laboulaye to a colossal copper statue designed by the artist Frederic Bartholdi. The Liberty Island museum, located in the lobby of the pedestal, chronicles the difficulties and triumphs two countries overcame to build a symbol of freedom. The museum also covers how the Statue of Liberty's interpretation has changed since its erection in 1886.

A pedestal or crown ticket is required to access the Liberty Island museum. Please visit the Fees & Reservations page for more information on pedestal and crown tickets. Most of the information in the museum, including photos of some of the artifacts, is available on our History and Culture page.

PARK RANGER GUIDED TOURS
Park Rangers provide English-language guided tours throughout the day. Tours will provide a general history of the island and of the Statue, including some of the following:

• Why and how the Statue was made
• Important figures in the Statue's construction
• The Island's history
• The Statue's many symbols
• The 1980s Restoration Project

Time:	Daily
Location:	Liberty Island Flagpole
Ages:	All are welcome!
Duration:	30 - 45 minutes
Cost:	Included

SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS
The self-guided tour helps visitors learn about the Statue of Liberty while exploring the grounds of Liberty Island. An audio tour is available for both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

• Children's audio tour is for ages 6-10.
• A descriptive audio tour is also available for the visual-impaired.

Location:	Outside
Ages:	All
Duration:	30 - 45 minutes
Cost:	Included

Visitors arrive and depart Liberty Island and Ellis Island via ferries operated by Statue Cruises. These ferries leave from two locations: Battery Park, at the southernmost tip of Manhattan, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Private vessels may not dock at either Ellis or Liberty Islands.

All ferry tickets include access to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum.

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