The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island near Manhattan and has been one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States since its unveiling in 1886. Made of copper, steel, concrete, and granite, the statue measures 305 ft tall, including its pedestal. In its left hand, it holds the Declaration of Independence, and in its right hand, raised high, is a torch. What does the crown of the Statue of Liberty symbolize, and how can it be visited?
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Table of Contents
Facts About the Statue of Liberty – Location, Height, Origin
🗺️ Where Is the Statue of Liberty Located?
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island, about 2,625 ft south of Ellis Island and 1.7 mi southwest of the southern tip of Manhattan. View the Statue of Liberty on the map.
While Liberty Island and Ellis Island are technically within the boundaries of New Jersey, they are considered part of the state of New York under an agreement. The islands have been managed by the federal government since 1800.
↕️ How Tall Is the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty itself stands 151 ft, with its pedestal adding another 154 ft. The total height of the Statue of Liberty is therefore 305 ft. To give you a sense of scale, its index finger alone is 7.9 ft long, and the right arm holding the torch measures 42.0 ft.
🧱 What Is the Statue of Liberty Made Of?
The base of the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal is made of concrete, which provides a solid foundation for the entire structure. The exterior of the pedestal is clad in granite, enhancing its durability and giving it a polished appearance.
The statue’s internal framework was originally constructed from puddled iron but was replaced with stainless steel during restoration work between 1984 and 1986, making it more durable and resistant to corrosion. The outer surface of the statue is made of 0.24 cm thick copper sheeting, giving the statue its distinctive color.
The Statue of Liberty’s torch is covered in 24-carat gold leaf, which was added in 1986 to mark its centennial, enhancing its brilliance.
🇫🇷 Who Gave the Statue of Liberty to the USA?
The French gifted the Statue of Liberty to Americans on the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence as a symbol of friendship and mutual support between the two nations. Its head was initially exhibited at the 1878 World’s Fair in Paris. To transport the statue to the United States, it was disassembled into 350 individual pieces and packed into 214 crates.
The statue was erected on an island near New York on October 28, 1886. Its official name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.” The design and construction of the statue were led by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineer Gustave Eiffel, who is renowned for the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
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Tickets for the Statue of Liberty
🛒 Where to Buy Tickets for the Statue of Liberty
The only authorized seller of tickets for the Statue of Liberty is Statue City Cruises. Tickets should only be purchased on their official website at CityExperiences.com, ideally several months in advance, as they often sell out during peak tourist season.
🛒 Other Options for Buying Tickets
Some other companies sell tickets, occasionally bundled with additional experiences at a higher price. Whether such a package is worth it depends on your preferences. However, it is strongly advised not to purchase tickets for the Statue of Liberty from street vendors, as these could be counterfeit or invalid.
There’s no need to print purchased tickets; you can present them on your phone at boarding. If you prefer a paper souvenir, you can pick up printed tickets on the day of your ferry ride at the “Will Call” window at the port.
Several types of tickets are available for the Statue of Liberty. If one type is sold out, try selecting a departure from nearby New Jersey. Prices listed below were last updated on January 21, 2025.
🎟️ “General Admission” Ticket
The basic ticket grants access to Liberty Island but does not allow entry into the Statue of Liberty itself. The ticket includes an audio guide, access to the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island, and a round-trip ferry ride from Manhattan (or New Jersey) to Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and back to your departure point.
Ticket prices are $26 for adults, $16.50 for children aged 4 to 12, and $22.50 for seniors aged 62 and older.
🎟️ “Pedestal Reserve” Ticket
This ticket includes everything in the basic option, with the addition of access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
Ticket prices are $26 for adults, $16.80 for children aged 4 to 12, and $22.80 for seniors aged 62 and older.
🎟️ “Crown Reserve” Ticket
The most sought-after ticket includes everything in the basic option, as well as access to both the pedestal and the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Time in the crown is limited to 10 minutes, and visitors must climb 162 steps, as there is no elevator access.
The price of this ticket is the same as the “Pedestal Reserve” option: $26 for adults, $16.80 for children aged 4 to 12, and $22.80 for seniors aged 62 and older.
Due to high demand, each reservation allows a maximum of four tickets for the crown. Availability is limited, so it’s recommended to book as early as possible.
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How to Visit the Statue of Liberty
🕒 Opening Hours
The Statue of Liberty is open year-round, except on Thanksgiving Day and December 25th.
You can visit every day from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Hours may vary throughout the year, so be sure to check the official website before your trip.
⛴️ Where Do Ferries to the Statue of Liberty Depart From?
Ferries to Liberty Island depart from Battery Park in Manhattan. Alternatively, ferries also depart from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
The ferry schedule changes throughout the year. Review it ahead of your trip and save it to your phone. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure, as lines are often long.
It’s recommended to take the first ferry in the morning. With each subsequent ferry, the island becomes more crowded, and lines grow longer. Onboard, sit on the side facing Manhattan for the best view and photos as the ferry approaches the Statue of Liberty.
⏳ How Much Time Should You Plan for a Visit?
Set aside at least three hours to explore the Statue of Liberty and both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. For a more thorough visit, allow 4-5 hours. If your ferry ticket is scheduled for 2:00 PM or later, you’ll likely only have time to visit one of the islands.
💡 Useful Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty
Pack snacks and plenty of water. In summer, don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Be prepared for security screenings with metal detectors. Backpacks and other large items must be stored in lockers.
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Fun Facts About the Statue of Liberty
🚢 The Statue of Liberty Was Originally a Lighthouse
For the first 16 years after its unveiling, the Statue of Liberty functioned as a fully operational lighthouse. The torch in its right hand was intended to serve as a navigation aid for ships entering New York Harbor. However, the light was never bright enough to be effective.
Managing the light proved challenging and inefficient, so in 1902, the statue ceased to serve as a lighthouse.
📙 What Does the Statue of Liberty Symbolize?
The Statue of Liberty embodies numerous symbols and historical references.
The torch in the statue’s right hand represents progress, lighting the way to a brighter future. The tabula ansata in its left hand signifies law and independence, with the inscription “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI” (July 4, 1776) commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
The crown’s seven rays radiate freedom to the world, representing the seven continents and seven oceans. Chains at the statue’s feet symbolize liberation from tyranny and oppression. The statue wears a toga, referencing ancient Rome, where Libertas symbolized freedom and human rights.
The statue’s upright stance represents stability and determination, while its green patina, formed by the natural oxidation of copper, signifies enduring freedom. The statue gazes southeast toward the open sea and incoming ships, symbolizing vision and hope for the future.
Since its unveiling on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed immigrants arriving in America, becoming a symbol of hope and new beginnings.
🇪🇬 The Statue of Liberty Was Originally Intended for Egypt
According to some historians, Frédéric Bartholdi initially proposed a statue called “Egypt Bringing Light to Asia” to be placed at the Suez Canal in Egypt. He even pitched the idea to Egypt’s ruler at the time, but the project was never realized.
This concept and its original inspiration ultimately evolved into the Statue of Liberty in New York.
🗽 Where Are Copies of the Statue of Liberty Located?
A half-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty is located near the New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas, which is also famous for its Big Apple Coaster roller coaster.
For the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris, sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi created a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty, which is 8.999 ft tall. Since 2012, it has been on display at Paris’s Musée d’Orsay.
Since 1984, the Statue of Liberty has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🎨 Who Was the Model for the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty represents the Roman goddess Libertas. Sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is believed to have based the statue’s design either on his mother, Charlotte, or on French model Isabella Eugénie Boyer. Interestingly, Boyer was the widow of Isaac Merritt Singer, the inventor of the sewing machine.
The statue’s official name is “The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World.”
🌬️ How Does Wind Affect the Statue of Liberty?
In strong winds of approximately 50 mph, the statue can sway by up to 8 cm, with the tip of the torch moving as much as 15 cm.
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Photos of the Statue of Liberty
Beneath the massive pedestal of the Statue of Liberty lies the walls of the former Fort Wood, designed in a unique star-shaped layout with eleven points. This star pattern is clearly visible from an aerial view of Liberty Island.
The Statue of Liberty stands closer to the shores of New Jersey but is formally part of New York State and is managed federally. For this reason, ferries depart from both Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
The object in its left hand with the date of the Declaration of Independence is a “tabula ansata,” which originates from ancient Rome, where it traditionally symbolized law or decrees. For the Statue of Liberty, it emphasizes the nation’s foundational laws and freedoms.
This photo captures the head of the Statue of Liberty in Paris’s Champ-de-Mars park, where it was displayed for the 1883 World’s Fair. The photo dates to 1883.
The photo shows people admiring the Statue of Liberty while the Miss Liberty boat passes by. This image was taken in August 1954 by photographer Angelo Rizzuto.
Another photo from the Library of Congress, this one captured by photographer Angelo Rizzuto in June 1964. It depicts people seated on the open deck of a ferry heading toward the Statue of Liberty.
This photograph, taken by William Henry Jackson sometime between 1880 and 1897, shows New York Harbor, Castle Garden, and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. It is part of the Detroit Publishing Company collection maintained by the Library of Congress.
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