Since it was officially unveiled in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has greeted immigrants who have come to America’s shores. The creation of French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi would welcome them before they disembarked at nearby Ellis Island, which processed newcomers from 1892 to 1954.
The statue has, in its 118 years of existence, been closed several times for repairs and other upgrades, with the most recent closing on Sept. 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center and other nearby buildings in Lower Manhattan were destroyed.Security measures and repairs have kept it closed since. But on Tuesday last week, the statue was re-opened for business, as visitors for the first time in almost three years were allowed to enter. Access was limited to the base of the statue, where they can take a tour starting in the museum located inside the base.
Visitors can also take an elevator up to the top floor of the pedestal to look through a glass ceiling at the inside of the statue up to the crown.
Ultimately, the staff expects to see 3,000 visitors per day.
A new sight greeting those entering the statue will be security machines, a reminder of what America has become since 9/11.
Liberty is free but has its reservations
Getting the limited amount of daily tickets to take one of the two tours offered of the statue requires that reservations be made in advance.
Visitors within the U.S. can call 866-STATUE4 (866-782-8834). From outside the U.S., they can call (212) 269-6755.
Starting on August 16, tickets can purchased online by going to the website www.statuereservations.com (which is operated by the Circle Line Cruises).
Tickets are free for the two tours of the statue – Observatory or Promenade – but the prices for the ferry are $10 for 13 years and older; $8 for 62 years and older; $4 for ages 4 to 13; and free for 3 years and under.
The ferries leave from Liberty State Park in Jersey City and Battery Park in New York City in 30 to 45-minute intervals, with the first ferry leaving at 8:30 a.m. and the last one at 4:30 p.m.