Since the 1980s, the nonprofit Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation has partnered with the National Park Service to restore and preserve the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Visitors to Liberty Island can tour the grounds and, with appropriate advanced tickets, visit the Statue’s pedestal and crown. Visitors can also explore the Statue of Liberty Museum.
With its combination of breathtaking views and living history, the Statue of Liberty Museum stands as an inspiring and dynamic part of the Liberty Island experience, inviting visitors to dive into the story behind the sculpture and immerse themselves in unique artifacts.
In 1807, the U.S. Army deemed the island a military post, constructing an 11-point fort to protect New York Harbor. Later renamed Fort Wood, the structure now serves as the base for the Statue’s pedestal. The Statue’s own meaning and relevance have evolved with time, as well.
Flash forward two decades, after years of fundraising and thousands of manhours designing and constructing the statue, a disassembled Lady Liberty finally arrived at Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor on June 17, 1885.
Liberty Island is home to a beautiful park, an innovative museum, and America’s most iconic symbol of promise and possibility. As you explore the grounds, take in Lady Liberty from different angles noting her design details and how her appearance changes with the light.
Your ferry ticket gives you access to both Liberty and Ellis Islands, including the Statue of Liberty Museum, the museum on Ellis Island, and both free audio/self-guided tours.
For a full list of what is offered and prices, visit here. If those menu options don’t entice you, click here for info on what to eat and do before and after your visit. Click here to read about how to prepare for your trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Enjoy an unmatched LIVE streaming view of the Statue of Liberty from Brooklyn, NY. Zoom in to get an up close and personal view, or zoom out to experience New York Harbor.
