Statue of Liberty
Located on a 12-acre island in the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, or "Liberty Enlightening the World," is one of the most identifiable icons of the United States, a representation of its ideals of liberty and freedom. Presented to the United States from France as an emblem of friendship, the Statue of Liberty served as the first glimpse of the United States for millions of European immigrants traveling to the nation by sea from its dedication in 1886 until the jet age. Sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the 305-foot-tall statue, pedestal included, is made of pure copper hung on steel framework.
The statue itself is not open for guests, but visitors can explore the museum within the pedestal. The Statue of Liberty Exhibit details the biography of the structure and features full-scale replicas of its face and foot, while the Torch Exhibit showcases the original 1886 torch. Guests can also visit the nearby Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which features three stores of audio-visual displays that explain the history of immigration at the island.
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers private spaces of events of up to 1,000 guests. Liberty and Ellis Islands are open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, though hours change seasonally. Ferry service to the islands, officially provided by Statue Cruises, varies in hours and schedule based on departure point and time of year. Ferry tickets are $5 for children ages 4-12, $12 for adults and $10 for seniors. Guests should anticipate a five to six hours if they wish to see both the statue and Ellis Island.
