The ‘audacious’ story behind the Statue of Liberty—and how to make the most of your visit

The Statue of Liberty is one of America’s most enduring symbols. Perched on a pedestal set atop a star-shaped base on Liberty Island in Upper New York Bay, Lady Liberty has welcomed millions to New York City—and the United States—since she was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

Many know the origin story. “Liberty Enlightening the World” was the audacious brainchild of French historian Édouard de Laboulaye, who wanted to bestow Americans—his country’s newest friends after the American Revolution—with a bold symbol to mark the fledgling democracy’s centennial.

“This monument to independence will be executed in common by the two nations, joined together in this fraternal work as they once were to achieve independence,” de Laboulaye wrote in 1865. “We will thus affirm by an enduring souvenir, the friendship; between the two nations that was sealed in a former time by the bloodshed of our fathers.”

True to his words, the triumphant lady and her pedestal came to be through a joint effort in France and the U.S., largely funded by average citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.

Now citizens from around the world visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument and nearby Ellis Island, where exhibits recount the stories of immigrants who followed the statue’s lead to these shores. Intrepid visitors go further, ascending the 162 steps to the statue’s crown, where sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and beyond await.

Quick facts about the Statue of Liberty

• The Statue of Liberty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1984
• About 3.7 million people visited the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island in 2024, according to the most recently available data set
• The exterior was originally the color of a copper penny but gradually turned green from oxidation
• Each year, Lady Liberty withstands several lightning strikes and sways three-to-six inches during high winds
• The statue was completely restored in 1984, in time for America’s bicentennial on July 4, 1986.

(See rare photos of the Statue of the Liberty after Hurricane Sandy)

Statue of Liberty history

Fascinated by what George Washington called the American “experiment,” Édouard de Laboulaye became one of the new republic’s most ardent champions. So much so, that he taught college courses about America, becoming a sought-after expert despite never having set foot in the country.

In 1865, de Laboulaye proposed the audacious idea to build a soaring monument as a gift from the French people to their brothers and sisters in America. To help cover the $250,000 price tag (about $8.3 million today), organizers kicked off a fundraising campaign. One event touted a 10-minute hymn titled “Liberty Enlightening the World.”

Composed by Charles Gounod, it was performed only once, at the Paris Opera, in 1876. More than a hundred years later in 1985, de Laboulaye’s descendant Francois de Laboulaye dusted off the composition for a ballyhooed U.S. premiere at New York’s Alice Tully Hall, ahead of the statue’s 1986 rededication.

Sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi signed on to design, and later, Gustave Eiffel, who built the inner structure, long before he envisioned his namesake Parisian tower.

Construction began in 1875 and ended in 1884. Before the statue was shipped to the U.S., it was broken down into 350 pieces packed into 214 crates, and rebuilt atop its pedestal, where it was unveiled in all its glory in 1886.

(These historic photos show how the Statue of Liberty was built)

Key features

Statue

From the tip of its torch to the top of its base, the statue measures 151 feet and one inch and is steeped in symbolism. The crown’s seven spikes reference the seven seas and seven continents, while the broken shackles at her feet symbolize freedom. In one arm, she holds a tablet etched with “July 4, 1776,” in Roman numerals, representing independence. In the other, a torch lighting the way to knowledge and hope.

The current torch is an exact replica of Bartholdi’s original, which was badly damaged over the years from the elements and during a blast in 1916 at Black Tom Island, now part of Jersey City’s Liberty State Park.

Pedestal

Richard Morris Hunt, known for his French Beaux Arts style, initially designed the pedestal, which features the famous 1883 poem “American Colossus” by Emma Lazarus. It’s about half the height of the statue and cost $270,000 (about $8.8 million today) to build. To pay for it, organizers launched a campaign that included taking the statue’s arm and torch on a road tour and the publication of every donor’s name in The World newspaper, owned by Joseph Pulitzer. The funds were finally raised and construction was completed in 1886.

Museums

In 2019, the glass-walled Statue of Liberty Museum was opened, featuring advanced exhibits like a virtual fly-through the statue’s interior, multimedia displays depicting Bartholdi’s studio, and—the star—the sculptor’s original torch.

Nearby, on Ellis Island, multimedia displays and artifacts at the National Immigration Museum bring to life the stories of the millions of people who have passed through the processing center on their way to becoming U.S. citizens. Additionally, databases help visitors look up their ancestry.

Tickets to the Statue of Liberty include entry to both museums. Statue City Cruises ferries passengers from Liberty Island to Ellis Island.

Best times to visit

The Statue of Liberty is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. It’s closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Spring and fall offer mild weather and prime views of the New York City skyline, especially from the crown and the ferry.

In winter, temperatures around the harbor tend to be lower than in the city, where average daytime temperatures range from the high 30s to the mid-40s, with the possibility of rain and snow. Visitors can expect fewer crowds and shorter lines but should check for weather-related cancellations and closures.

Summer is the peak season with crowds to match. Average daytime temperatures tend to soar to the high 80s with high humidity and the chance of afternoon showers, which can be heavy at times, later in the summer.

(Here’s how families can plan the perfect trip to New York City)

How to visit

Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

From Manhattan: The only way to visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island is via Statue City Cruises, the official concessionaire recognized by the National Park Service. Book tickets online (toggle departure point to New York-Battery Park) or at the ticket office at Castle Clinton National Monument, in Battery Park. General admission tickets include entry to both islands and their respective museums. Public transportation is the best way to reach Battery Park.

From New Jersey: Statue City Cruises operates ferries departing from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Book tickets online (toggle departure point to New Jersey-Liberty State Park) or at the ticket office at Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, in Liberty State Park. Drivers may park near the ferry terminal at Lot 8 ($7 at press time) or take the PATH train to Grove Street or Exchange Place or the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to the Liberty State Park station.

Statue of Liberty Pedestal and Crown

Visitors must purchase separate tickets to enter the pedestal and the crown, available when booking with Statue City Cruises. The park service recommends booking these limited tickets well in advance.

Pedestal visitors climb 215 steps from the ground level to the Observation Deck at the top of the pedestal; an elevator is available for visitors who are unable to take the stairs. Check the National Park Service site for prohibited items and ticket time details.

Crown visitors climb 162 steps, single file, from the base of the statue up (and back down) a double-helix stairwell. There is no elevator and the stairwell is not climate controlled. Visitors can bring a few personal items, such as a cellphone and water in a clear plastic bottle. The crown has 25 windows, through which visitors can see out to the harbor and the Manhattan skyline during a 10-minute time limit.

(Take a look inside Ellis Island during its heyday)

Travel tips

Budget enough time

Depending on what sites you plan to see, budget at least three hours to a full day at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. During peak season expect particularly long security and entrance lines. For more specifics, check the NPS’ handy sample schedule here.

The ferry ride is about 15 minutes from Battery Park, but roughly half an hour back. It’s about 35 minutes from New Jersey and about 15 minutes back. Experienced visitors recommend getting to the ferry early to score seats on the top level, ideally on the starboard (right) side, for the best views of the statue, on both the Battery Park and New Jersey routes.

Go early

To avoid crowds and long waits, especially during peak season, visit on a weekday and before noon.

Dress for the season

In warmer months, wear light clothing and sun hats. In the cooler months, bring layers and a wind breaker for the ferry. In winter, bring extra warm jackets and accessories to insulate from the lower harbor temperatures.

Prepare for security

All visitors should expect airport-style security at Battery Park and Liberty State Park ferry docks and a second screening for entering the statue and the crown. Check the NPS site for prohibited items. Lockers (25 cents) are available at the entrance of the monument.

Food and drink

Crown Café and Ellis Café, on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, respectively, serve American classics including pizza and burgers. Visitors may bring their own food and drink, however, there are restrictions inside the monument.