|
Visiting
The Statue of Liberty
Visitors can now experience a special insider's view of the engineering marvel
that is the Statue of Liberty. To better
understand this monumental work of art, visitors can view inside the Statue
through a glass ceiling, guided by a park ranger, an enhanced lighting and new
video system. In addition, visitors can enjoy walking out onto the Statue's
observation deck to see the panoramic views of New York City and the Harbor,
and witness the Statue up close from her promenades on Ft. Wood.
Information about the entering the Crown is available on the website of the
National Park Service.
Statue Tour
Entry to the
monument pedestal is by Monument Pass only. Monument Passes are available in
advance with the purchase of Reserve Tickets online at
www.statuecruises.com or by calling 1-877-LADY TIX or 1-877-523-9849.
Though the Monument Pass is not available online with the Flex Ticket, a
limited number of Monument Passes are available each day at the ticket booth by
request on a first-come, first-serve basis. When on the island, a secondary
screening is required of all Monument Pass holders and may require extra
waiting time.
Experience the statue's magnificent construction, learn about its history in
the museum and discover the spectacular views from the top of the pedestal
(Visitors must be able to climb 24 steps after exiting the elevator to reach
the pedestal observatory). Even without a Monument Pass, visitors can
participate in ranger-led walking tours of the island, view interpretive
waysides, eat at the
restaurant,
and browse through the gift shop.An audio tour, available in nine
languages, provides
fascinating commentary about Lady Liberty, her history, and
significance as
a worldwide symbol of freedom. A 30-minute tour of Liberty Island
explores
outside the Statue, and an extended tour lets those with a Monument
Pass
fully experience the Statue Museum. A special children’s tour is narrated
by
“Frances the Falcon” and is offered in five languages. Audio tours can
be purchased
from Statue Cruises along with ferry tickets or on site at the
Discovery Audio booth.
MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS
Statue of Liberty Exhibit
The Statue of Liberty exhibit, which opened in July 1986 and is located on the second floor in the pedestal of the Statue, traces the history and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty through museum objects, photographs, prints, videos and oral histories. In addition to historical artifacts and descriptive text, full scale replicas of the Statue's face and foot are also on display. The main historical sections include: From Idea to Image, Fabricating the Statue, Stretching Technology, Fundraising in France, The Pedestal, Fundraising in America, and Complete at Last. The next area focuses on the symbolism of Liberty with sections titled Mother of Exiles, Becoming the Statue of America, Century of Souvenirs, The Image Exploited and The Statue in Popular Culture.
The Torch Exhibit
The Torch Exhibit includes the original 1886 torch and much altered flame in the lobby. On the second floor balcony overlooking this torch is a display on the history of the torch and flame, explaining the various alterations through diagrams, photographs, drawings and cartoons.
The "New Colossus"
The famous sonnet written by Emma Lazarus in 1883. A bronze plaque, dedicated in memory of Emma Lazarus' contribution to the completion of the Statue's pedestal, has been affixed to the inner walls of the pedestal since the early 1900's. This plaque, currently located in the Statue of Liberty exhibit, has come to symbolize the statue's universal message of hope and freedom for immigrants coming to America and people seeking freedom around the world.
|
