The iconic Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island is a copper clad gift given from the French to the United States in 1886.
The statue was designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi in Paris and a Statue of Liberty scale model stands close to the Eiffel Tower on the River Seine. At 11.50 metre high it is the perfect 1/4 replica of his 46.50 metre high statue in New York which was built by Gustave Eiffel famously known for his company who designed and built the Eiffel Tower.
When built the statue was reddish-brown and shiny but within twenty years it had oxidized to its current green colour through reactions with air, water and acidic pollution, forming a layer of verdigris which protects the copper from further corrosion.
The statue is a figure of a classically draped woman likely inspired by a Roman goddess holding a torch above her head with her right hand and in her left hand carries a tablet inscribed JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776) the date of the US Declaration of Independence. Her left foot steps on a broken chain and shackle commemorating the national abolition of slavery following the american civil war.
Statue City Cruises are the only authorised provider of tickets to visit Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. Only buy from their website and not from any other online sellers or street vendors.
General admission tickets cost from £20 / €24 / $25 and this gives you a return ferry ride from Battery Park to Liberty Island as well as Ellis Island with an audio tour.
Note; General Admission tickets do not give you access into the pedestal which is an observation point at the base of the main statue. There are 215 steps or approximately 10 stories to climb to the top of the pedestal but there is an elevator for those who cannot use the stairs. To access the pedestal you need to purchase Pedestal Reserve Tickets which start from the same price as General Admission but are very limited.
To access the crown of the statue you need to purchase Crown Reserve Tickets which also start from the same price as General Admission and are also very limited. The earlier you book the better chances you have of getting the date and time slot you want.
The crown of the statue is an additional 162 narrow and tight steps from the top of the pedestal. There is no elevator access from the top of the pedestal to the crown platform (from the Statue’s feet to the Statue’s head).
There are restrictions around Crown Reserve tickets and access so make sure you check the additional info section on the website.
The departure point for the ferry to the islands is from Battery Park and the nearest Subway is Whitehall St/South Ferry which is a circa 5 minute walk to the meeting point.
Allow at least 3 hours to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours.
