Overview
She is THE symbol of the United States of America, one of the most recognizable statues in the whole world, and a universally understood symbol of freedom and liberty.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States. Exact reasons as to why this gift came to be are the subject of several myths.
What we do know, however, is that the copper statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Gustave Eiffel – as in the Eiffel Tower). The statue was completed in 1886 and shipped to the United States in 350 smaller pieces. Once Lady Liberty arrived in the States, it took another four months to put her all back together. The official unveiling took place on October 28, 1886.
Fort Wood, a former harbor defense post protecting New Yorkers from enemy attacks, serves as the statue’s platform. Bartholdi was ecstatic to have the statue put on the site of the former harbor defense post, on account that all vessels making their way to New York City had to sail past it.
New York having been a large hub for immigration in the early 20th century, it thus became a symbol for the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.
Did you know? While the Statue of Liberty is known for its green-blue hue, Lady Liberty initially sported more of a natural copper-tone. This was way before a natural layer of patina formed over the years of exposure to the elements.
Ferry Tours to Liberty Island
If you want to see the colossal monument up close (and maybe also from the inside), first you will have to take a short trip across the Hudson River. The statue itself sits about 1.6 miles from Manhattan on Liberty Island and is served by several ferries multiple times a day.
Ferry ports that offer trips to Liberty Island are located at The Battery, on Ellis Island, as well as at Liberty State Park.
Round-Trip Ferry to Liberty Island & Ellis Island
Explore Liberty Island and nearby Ellis Island at your own pace with this official Statue City Cruises round-trip. Choose to either depart from Liberty State Park (NJ) or Battery Park (NY).
Whats Inside the Statue of Liberty?
In case you were wondering: Yes, the Statue of Liberty is in fact hollow, and curious visitors can actually step inside. There are 354 stairs inside the statue, and it’s a pretty tight squeeze as the stairway is only about 26 inches wide. But if you’re up for the challenge, the views from Lady Liberty’s crown are definitely worth it.
A climb to the statue’s crown requires a pre-booked ticket, which can be tacked on to your Statue City Cruises ferry ticket. Be aware, though, that daily spots are limited and demand is high, so your best course of action would be to make sure to book the full experience way ahead in time.
What Else to See on Liberty Island
Today, Liberty Island is home to more than just the Statue of Liberty. Other sights have also been established around the monument, which offer a deeper insight into the history of the statue. Weather permitting, you will also be rewarded with some of the most scenic views of the Big Apple and its iconic skyline.
Statue of Liberty Museum
Since 2019, Liberty Island has had its own museum in addition to the well-known statue, which wants to preserve and pass on the history of one of the largest landmarks in the USA on 26,000 square feet of exhibition space.
One of the most exciting exhibitions is a trip to the recreated warehouse of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue’s builder. Take a look behind the scenes and learn more about the conception and construction of the 151-foot Lady Liberty.
Statue of Liberty Crown Café
We can almost guarantee that a day’s worth of exploring the island can leave you and your travel companions pretty hungry. In that case, just head over to the Crown Café, where you will be provided with classic snacks from New York’s famous cuisine. But just in case pizzas, paninis and burgers aren’t quite your thing, you can also treat yourself to a variety of different seafood.
9/11 Memorial Grove
In direct line of sight with Ground Zero lies a small, yet powerful installation of trees and shrubs that were planted in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The stated goal of the installation is to celebrate life and give you the opportunity to wind down and reflect.
After Hurricane Sandy unfortunately destroyed most of the trees in 2012, a major revitalization effort took place to reconstruct the area two years later.
