The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous attractions in New York City, and it was given to the American people as a gift from the French people.
It has been standing on Liberty Island in New York since the end of the 19th century. In this article, you can read more about the Statue of Liberty and see opening hours, ticket info, and other information before you visit.
Quick facts about the Statue of Liberty
There are many interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty, and below is some general information.
| Architect: Auguste Bartholdi | Annual visitors: 4.44 million |
| Formal name: “Liberty Enlightening the World” | Coordinates: 40°41′23″N 74°02′41″V |
| Height: 93 meters (The statue is 46 meters tall) | Inauguration date: 28 October – 1886 |
| Location: Liberty Island, Manhattan, New York | Weight: 225 tonnes |
Statue of Liberty tickets
I recommend that you book tickets in advance before you travel to New York. By doing so, you’ll ensure that it’s not sold out and that you can book the VIP-tickets that let you skip the line.
Regular tickets to the Statue of Liberty are a little bit cheaper, but then you also have to stand in the general line, which can sometimes take 2 hours or longer to get inside. The VIP tickets are just around 5 USD more, but allows you to skip the line!
You book your skip the line tickets here
Price
You can see the regular ticket prices below, which also include the ferry to Liberty Island. Remember that this ticket won’t let you skip the line and that you’ll be standing in the general line, which often has long queues.
The VIP-ticket also includes the ferry to the Statue of Libert as well as Ellis Island and an audio guide.
You can book your VIP-ticket here
| Children under 4 years | Children 4-12 years | Adults | Seniors (+62 years) |
| 0 USD | 9 USD | 18.50 USD | 14 USD |
Regular Statue of Liberty tickets can be purchased at the official office of Statue Cruises, which is located inside Castle Clinton in Battery Park. Watch out for fake ticket sellers who might approach you at Battery Park.
More information about the Statue of Liberty in NYC
The statue of Liberty, also known as Lady Liberty or by its formal name Liberty Enlightening the World. The name is derived from the Roman goddess Libertas and the symbolism of freedom and enlightenment.
It was a gift from the French People to the American people in conjunction with the 100-year celebration of the independence of America. The French supported the Americans during the American revolution and the gift was further evidence of their friendship.
The Statue of Liberty was designed by the sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and has become a symbol of freedom and democracy worldwide. Lady Liberty holds a tablet in her hand with the date of the U.S Declaration of independence engraved as ”July IV MDCCLXXVI”, namely the 4th of July, 1776.
Since 1984, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it’s one of the most famous statues in the world.
More about the statue and its history
The Statue of Liberty was inaugurated on 28 October 1886 but arrived in New York already in June 1885. It took 4 months to assemble the statue. During this time period, many migrants came to the United States in search of a new and better life, and the first thing that they saw when arriving by boat was the Statue of Liberty.
Originally, she had a gas torch in her hand which was planned to work as a beacon for ships. However, it didn’t bring much light but attracted many birds who flew right into the torch and died.
Between the years of 1984 and 1986, a major restoration was performed, where among other things, the torch was replaced.
Opening hours
The first boat departs at 8:30 or 9 AM depending on what time of the year. The last boat from Liberty Island departs at 5 PM and sometimes during the yeat at 5:45 PM.
Last entrance to the crown and pedestal
- January 1 to May 26 – 3:30 PM
- May 27 to September 4 – 5:00 PM
- September 5 to October 9 – 4:00 PM
- October 10 to December 31– 3:30 PM
- Christmas Eve, December 24 – 1:30 PM
“Grounds” is closing about one hour later.
Restaurant
Up in the crown, you can eat dinner at the Crown Cafe. A burger costs around 10-13 USD and Pizzas cost 7.95 USD. There are also sandwiches and other meals that you can order. The Crown Cafe also has organic and vegetarian options.
Symbolism
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol for democracy and freedom. The broken chains by the feet symbolize the end of slavery in America and the desire for freedom without tyranny and oppression.
Since the 1940s, it is said that the crown symbolizes the seven seas and the seven continents. The torch is a symbol of enlightenment and that is also why the statue has the formal name “Liberty Enlightening the World”.
See the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island ferry
If you don’t care about going up in the statue, but still want to get a glimpse of the famous Statue of Liberty, I recommend that you take the ferry to Staten Island.
It’s possible to get a closer look and nice photos of the statue from the Staten Island Ferry, which is also free
Photo: Christopher Penler / Shutterstock.com
Frequently asked questions
What material is the Statue of Liberty made of?
The statue’s facade is made of copper and the foundation itself is made of iron. The torch is plated with 24-carat gold. The base consists of concrete and granite.
Where do you get the best view of Lady Liberty?
Most people consider the view from the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn to have the best view of the Statue of Liberty. But you can also go out in a small boat named Honorable Willam Wall for 10-20 USD.
There’s also the option to take the ferry to Staten Island, which is free and also gives a close-up view of Lady Liberty.
Why is the Statue of Liberty green?
When the statue was completed it had the classic color of copper. However, some 30 years after its inauguration, the Statue of Liberty turned green. This is due to the copper oxidation that occurs when the air and water create a chemical reaction with the copper.
They haven’t painted the Statue of Liberty green, and it’s completely natural, just like you can see old copper roofs on buildings that have the same green color.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
I strongly recommend that you book your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance. It’s a very popular attraction and by booking your tickets in advance, you’ll avoid long lines and save time.
Additionally, if you don’t get a ticket in advance, you’ll have to go to the office of Statue Cruises in Battery Park. And then you will only get a regular ticket without skip the line feature.
You can book your VIP ticket here with skip the line access
How many tourists visit the Statue of Liberty every year?
About 4,4 million tourists visit the Statue of Liberty every year. However, a lot more people see the statue from a distance.
Who built the Statue of Liberty?
Auguste Bartholdi designed the statue and Gustave Eiffel (the same person who built the Eiffel Tower) formed the foundation, whereas the base was designed by the American Richard Morris Hunt.
The Statue of Liberty is built by 350 individual pieces that were shipped in 214 boxes from France to New York. It was assembled on Liberty Island where it has been standing since its inauguration.
Hotels near the Statue of Liberty
If you want to stay close to Battery Park and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, I recommend the hotels below.
Do you have more questions before you visit the Statue of Liberty in New York? Leave a comment below!