The Statue of Liberty - a symbol of a happy life
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most magnificent and beautiful monuments in the United States, which today serves as a symbol not only of New York but also of the entire United States of America.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the largest monumental works, which is also a beloved and one of the most famous symbols of the United States and New York. The poster shares with its readers the history of this beautiful landmark. One of the legends surrounding the Statue of Liberty and its history states that the original idea was conceived by the French writer and scholar Edouard de Laboulaye, who was a fan of American democracy after the end of the Civil War.
The French sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi quickly learned about this concept. He had long planned to create a similar sculpture and install it at the entrance of the Suez Canal. Bartholdi's construction was not destined to come to fruition, but it became the first prototype and the foundation for the beloved Statue of Liberty.
The statue, which is the tallest sculpture in the world, has been greeting and bidding farewell to ships in the bay of the Big Apple for over a hundred years. For some, it has become an interesting tourist attraction, a magnificent example of sculptural art, while for others, it truly represents a beacon towards a free and happy life.
The overall height of the monument is 93 meters, without the pedestal - 46 meters. In the mid-19th century, France presented the statue to America as a gift in support of the American people, who were actively defending the ideals of democracy and independence at that time. The project was developed by the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
The opening ceremony of the Statue of Liberty took place in the autumn of 1886. The monument was unveiled by President Grover Cleveland. Despite symbolizing democracy, only men were present at its inauguration. An exception was made for two women: the wife of sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and the young daughter of Laboulaye (the head of the committee for creating the Statue of Liberty).
To this day, there is still debate about whose face is immortalized in the main American symbol. One version suggests that it is a depiction of the sculptor's mother, while another suggests it is a portrayal of a French woman named Isabella Boyer.
To reach Liberty Island, one can only take a ferry. One of them departs from the pier in Manhattan, and the other from Jersey City.
356 Steps to Freedom
The pedestal is reached by a staircase of 192 steps, and to reach the crown, one must conquer 356 steps. The creation of the sculptural composition required 31 tons of copper, while the entire steel structure, designed by Gustave Eiffel himself, weighs 125 tons.
Most of the work was done in France. The image of this goddess was chosen for many reasons, one of which was the admiration of the American people. The sculptor replicated the facial features of the goddess based on those of his own mother. Copper sheets nearly 3mm thick were used for the construction, and these sheets were brought from the Ural factories.
Entry to the Statue of Liberty park is free; however, tourists must pay for a ferry ticket to reach the island. Passengers undergo mandatory security screening upon boarding, similar to airport procedures. Several webcams are installed on the statue, allowing visitors to observe the sculpture's details more closely and enjoy the picturesque views of New York Bay.
Visit the statue with a ferry.
Visits to the Statue of Liberty depend on the type of ticket you choose. With a ticket to visit the Statue of Liberty, you can board a ferry to Liberty Island. There are numerous ferries that transport visitors to the island. For easy access from Manhattan, you can opt to take the ferry from Battery Park, which will take you to Castle Clinton.
A view of the Big Apple.
From the "Pedestal" observation deck, a grandiose landscape unfolds. Located high up, approximately on the tenth floor, it offers a panoramic view of New York Harbor, the Manhattan district, or Ellis Island and its immigration museum.
Access can be via stairs or elevator. Don't forget to check the arrival time on your Statue of Liberty ticket, as entry is controlled. To make your visit more comfortable, you will need to store your backpacks in lockers located in the lobby.
Access to the Crown
Lucky individuals will have the opportunity to access the crown of Lady Liberty. To secure a spot, it is best to book a ticket for the Statue of Liberty several months in advance, as availability is extremely limited (see here). This crown is adorned with seven spikes, representing each continent and ocean as they were known at that time.
Access to the crown is highly restricted due to its tight space. Caution is advised as the ascent to the crown is challenging, involving a narrow spiral staircase. Access is not recommended for individuals suffering from claustrophobia or acrophobia and is prohibited for children under 1.20 meters.
Contrary to its outward appearance, the observation deck is quite small and can accommodate only a few people at a time. It is advisable to visit the Statue of Liberty on the first ferry to have a better chance of gaining unrestricted access to the crown.
Prices for the Statue of Liberty
- A ticket for the Statue of Liberty costs $31 for all visitors between the ages of 13 and 61.
- Children aged 4 to 12 receive a $13 discount off the adult ticket price and pay only $18.
- Senior citizens aged 62 and above are eligible for a $7 discount and pay only $24 for admission.
Children under four years old are accompanied for free.
Why it's better to buy online Visitors can also purchase Statue of Liberty ferry tickets at the Statue Cruises ticket offices in Castle Clinton at Battery Park or at the ferry departure point in Liberty State Park, New Jersey.
However, these tickets are in high demand, especially during the summer months, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to purchase tickets on the same day.
Booking tickets online (and in advance) guarantees a reserved spot on the Statue of Liberty ferry on your chosen day.
What is included in the ticket?
All Statue of Liberty tickets include the following:
- Ferry ride to Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and back to the mainland.
- Access to the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island.
- Access to the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island.
- Access to the National Immigration Museum on Ellis Island. Audio guide*
*Visitors can obtain an audio guide at the Liberty and Ellis Islands kiosks.
Timed Tickets All visitors must select a "start time" when booking Liberty tickets.
The time on your ticket is for passing through security, not for boarding a specific ferry.
Once purchased and when your Statue of Liberty ticket is emailed to you, it will have this time indicated.
Statue of Liberty "Grounds Only" Ticket These are the most popular and widely available tickets, also known as reserve tickets.
Since these tickets do not grant access to the statue's pedestal or crown, you will not undergo extensive security checks.
However, it provides you with a spot on the ferry, a breathtaking view of Lady Liberty, and entry to the immigration museum on Ellis Island.
When booking this ticket, you must select where you will board the ferry—from Battery Park or Liberty State Park.
Ticket Prices
- Adult Ticket (13-61 years old): $31
- Senior Ticket (62+ years old): $24
- Child Ticket (4-12 years old): $18
