Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty stands 305 feet and one inch over New York City and represents freedom to the world. The national monument is a popular tourist attraction, and many people visit the statue everyday to gaze and its beauty and feel everything that it represents.

There are many ways to experience the statue and all it represents. Visitors can learn about the statue and view the inside of it through a glass ceiling, while listening to information from a park ranger.

There are several tours of the monument itself. Beginning in the pedestal of the monument, visitors can take the Observatory Tour. View the breathtaking structure and learn about the history of the statue by visiting the history museum. Children and adults can also view beautiful views of the New York Harbor from the top of the pedestal can be viewed.

Travel next to the second floor of the statue’s pedestal. Here one can experience the Statue of Liberty Exhibit. The exhibit features photographs, videos, museum objects and more that illustrate the history and symbolism of the statue. The exhibit opened in July of 1986, and has been a popular site for visitors.

Continue on and take the Promenade Tour, guided by a park ranger. This popular tour takes you to the second floor balcony, which overlooks the original 1886 torch. The torch exhibit includes a display on the torch’s history throughout the years, informing visitors of the alterations it has undergone. The tour includes a visit to Ft. Wood, located in the base of th0e monument. Here experience spectacular views of the Statue, Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor.

Finally, end your day by visiting the “New Colossus.” The poem, written by Emma Lazarus in 1883, has been inscribed on a bronze plaque and hung no the inner walls of the pedestal. This plaque symbolizes the message of hope and freedom for people across the globe.

In past years, visitors could travel up through the statue and stand in her crown and torch, observing a spectacular view of the water and land surrounding Lady Liberty. However, both have been closed due to security reasons. Her torch has been closed since the “Black Tom” explosion on July 30, 1916, and the crown recently closed on September 11, 2001 after the attacks on the Twin Towers, because it is not easy to exit the crown.

The Statue of Liberty is open daily, from 9:30 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. Hours are extended during the summer, and the monument is closed on December 25. Ferries travel daily to and from the Statue of Liberty, departing from Battery Park, New York, NY and Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ. For entry to the pedestal, a Time Pass Ticket is required. The tickets, which include a round trip ferry ride, are 11.50 dollars for adults (13 years of age and older), 9.50 dollars for senior citizens, 4.50 dollars for children age 4 t o12, and free for children ages 3 and under. Tickets and available by reservation at www.statuereservations.com, or by calling 1-866-STATUE4.

The Statue of Liberty is a national monument, representing hope and freedom to people across the world. A tour of the statue leaves visitors with the same feeling, and a better understanding of Lady Liberty, her history, and our nation.