The Statue of Liberty in New York (Is She an Itinerary Must?)
Let me summarize for you–YES. The Statue of Liberty in New York is an absolute MUST for every New Yorker and non New Yorker visiting the city. If waiting in lines scares you, come on a weekday or splurge for a limited Crown Ticket (just make sure you order ahead of time). Just whatever you do, go see her! The Statue of Liberty in New York is much more than just a historical monument, it’s a symbol of the past and the future. Of liberation, refuge, freedom, friendship, enlightenment, and hope.
Official Tickets to The Statue of Liberty in New York
THIS is the only official website to buy tickets to The Statue of Liberty in New York. Each ticket includes the ferry ride from the city. You can purchase tickets leaving from both New York City (Battery Park) or New Jersey (Liberty State Park). There are three ticket options: Reserve ticket, Reserve with Pedestal Access Ticket, and Reserve with Crown Ticket. Although it’s pretty self explanatory what each one gives you, I’d say it always makes sense to get the Pedestal Access Ticket. For only $0.30 extra it gives you access inside pedestal. The crown tickets can be a bit harder to book, usually selling out weeks if not months ahead of time depending on the season.
What to Do While You’re There
There’s actually two museums at The Statue of Liberty in New York. There’s the official Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island, and the one inside the monument itself (some people miss this one unknowingly)! Make sure you hit both if you’re interested (and you purchased the pedestal ticket). I recommend heading to the official museum itself first and retrieving the INCLUDED audio tour headsets. (Sometimes they have extras outside the museum if the weather’s nice.) The tour starts outside of the monument, so you really want to grab them right away! The audio tour has a wealth of information including the history, the building and planning processes, updates, and much more about The Statue of Liberty in New York. Personally, I think that the audio tour is 1/2 of the reason you go! It gives you so much information and really walks you through the museum.
There’s also a gift shop and food at Liberty Island. (Which is good to know if you accidentally miss the boat back or are traveling with some hungry friends!) Another big recommendation I have is that even if you do get the pedestal ticket, (which again, I highly recommend,) still go walk along side the perimeter of the island and see her from afar! Lastly, remember to check the departure times for your boat back. If my memory serves me correctly, the boats run about every 20 minutes or so. (So if you’ve just missed one- you might be stuck for a little while longer.) Conveniently, the food court is located right next to the dock!
Some History of The Statue of Liberty in New York
The Statue of Liberty wasn’t just built in New York—it traveled here. France gifted her to the United States in 1886 to celebrate 100 years of American independence. She also honors the countries shared values of freedom and democracy. The idea came from French historian Édouard René de Laboulaye, and the statue was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. Bartholdi received structural help from none other than Gustave Eiffel (yep—the Eiffel Tower guy!). (All of these pictures, drawings, and correspondence can be found in the museum!)
The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor in 350 pieces and packed in over 200 crates. She was assembled on what’s now Liberty Island (formerly Bedloe’s Island). Americans were responsible for building her pedestal—which took a lot of fundraising. Newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer even used his paper to rally citizens to donate whatever they could, and it worked.
Lady Liberty stands 305 feet tall from ground to torch. She holds a tablet marked with the date of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) and stands over broken chains. This symbolizes the end of oppression. Her green coloring is natural oxidation of her true copper skin. When you think about it, she’s kind of like a giant penny turned goddess.
The Statue of Liberty in New York has welcomed millions of immigrants and visitors, enduring her symbol of hope and refuge to the world. I highly recommend reading various people’s quotes surrounding their first sightings of her. In her museum underneath, you can read peoples’ thoughts and interpretations of what she symbolizes. She’s not just a statue—she’s a promise.
