Statue of Liberty Pedestal vs Crown: Choosing Your View
Attracting over 4.5 million visitors yearly, the Statue of Liberty in New York is well known for its beauty and significance.
While the entire Statue is worth exploring and watching, the Pedestal vs Crown are two significant parts that capture visitors’ attention, apart from Lady Liberty herself.
The pedestal and the crown of the Statue of Liberty serve as two separate viewing locations in addition to the general admission view.
Accessing the pedestal and crown involves climbing the spiral staircase within the statue, with separate ticket upgrades required for each level.
Hence, whether to access the Statue of Liberty crown vs pedestal could be a major question to your mind while planning your visit to this National Monument.
Let’s highlight the similarities and differences that can help you decide on the pedestal vs crown experiences at the National Monument.
Overview of Statue of Liberty Pedestal vs Crown
| Aspect | Pedestal | Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Significance | Serves as the foundation of the statue. | Represents enlightenment and the universal spread of liberty. |
| Designer | Designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt. | Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the same as the statue. |
| Materials Used | Constructed of concrete and granite. | Made primarily of copper sheets, supported by an iron frame. |
| Dimensions: | Approximately 154 feet (47 meters) | Spike Height: 9 feet (2.7 meters).Base Circumference: 35 feet (10.7 meters). |
| Location: | Situated between the bottom of the statue and the old war fort. | Atop the head of the Statue of Liberty. |
| Visitors Access | Access to the museum and pedestal observation deck. | Witness Metal Framework and crown observation deck with 25 windows. |
| Landmarks Visible | Views of New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan, and the surrounding areas of Liberty Island. | Bird’s eye view of the statue’s torch, the crown’s interior, and the New York City skyline. |
| Know More | Know More |
About the Crown vs Pedestal Statue of Liberty
The pedestal was built to hold up the Statue, making it more visible and significant in New York Harbor.
The stone structure of the Pedestal rests between the statue’s base and the old, star-shaped military fort on Liberty Island.
Architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the pedestal, using materials like concrete and granite to withstand the 225-ton statue.
On the other hand, the Crown is perched atop the head of the Statue and is the highest accessible point of the Statue currently.
Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the crown, and it was already a part of the statue when it was gifted from France to the United States.
The Statue of Liberty Crown consists of seven spikes, each representing the seven continents and oceans of the world.
Thus, the Crown on Lady Liberty signifies her message of welcome, enlightenment and freedom.
Access to Pedestal Vs Crown Statue of Liberty
Accessing the pedestal involves climbing 192 steps or taking an elevator and climbing an additional 26 steps.
Visitors with pedestal access tickets can enter the pedestal and explore its museum and observation deck.
Ascending to the crown involves climbing 354 steps on a spiral staircase from the statue’s base.
However, if you have already reached the pedestal, it’s only an additional 162 steep steps to reach the crown.
This climb can be physically demanding and is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Note that there are no elevators or lifts available to reach the crown.
Views from the Statue of Liberty Pedestal vs Crown
The Statue of Liberty offers visitors stunning views of New York City and its surroundings from both its pedestal and crown.
Here’s a quick comparison between the Pedestal views and the Crown, highlighting their differences and similarities:
Views from the Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty
Situated at a height of 154 feet (47 meters), the Liberty Statue Pedestal’s balcony provides a mid-level vantage point for visitors.
Visitors from the Pedestal balcony can enjoy expansive, 360-degree views of the surrounding landmarks and skyline.
The outdoor balcony of the pedestal provides ample space for visitors to move around and take in the sights.
The top sights of New York Harbor visible from the pedestal include Ellis Island, Governors Island, and the Manhattan skyline.
Views from the Crown of the Statue of Liberty:
The crown is at a height of 305 feet (93 meters) from the ground, giving you a bird’s eye view of the entire statue and the surrounding islands.
A small viewing area inside the crown is surrounded by 25 windows, which provide the perfect view of the waters and Statue.
Other sights visible from the crown of Lady Liberty include the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building.
While the views from the Crown are impressive, they are more intimate and limited in scope due to the confined area within the Crown.
For safety reasons, the duration of the crown visit is limited to only 10 minutes.
Rules and Regulations: Statue of Liberty Pedestal vs. Crown
Visiting the National Monument of NYC, whether to explore the pedestal or ascend to the crown, has specific rules and regulations to ensure safety.
Here’s a comparison of the guidelines for both:
5 Things to Know Before Visiting the Pedestal:
- Visitors must pass through additional security screening before entering the pedestal.
- Large bags, backpacks, and food are prohibited inside the pedestal. Lockers are available for storage.
- You can only carry water inside the Pedestal if it is in a clear plastic bottle.
- The pedestal is accessible via a combination of stairs and elevators.
However, wheelchair access to the outdoor balcony is limited due to space constraints.
- For the visitors, plenty of landing places are available where you may step aside and rest if you need to catch your breath.
5 Things to Know Before Visiting the Crown
- Visitors must undergo a wristband check at the entrance.
- To enter the crown, children must be taller than 1.1 meters (4 feet).
- Like the pedestal, large bags, backpacks, and food are not allowed inside the crown. Lockers are provided for storage.
- Climbing to the crown requires navigating a steep and narrow staircase. Thus, visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues may find the ascent challenging.
- The crown features a small viewing area with limited space for up to 10 visitors at a time.
Ticket Options: Crown vs Pedestal
Separate ticket upgrades are necessary to access the pedestal and crown of the Statue of Liberty.
Let’s learn how to book these tickets and check the prices, all at your fingertips.
Tickets for the Pedestal
Tickets for the pedestal are limited; therefore, purchasing your ticket in advance is safer.
To enter the pedestal, you must have a ticket that states “pedestal access” along with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Pass.
You can purchase Pedestal tickets online or in person at Castle Clinton.
Ticket Prices:
| Visitor’s Age | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 to 61 years) | $25 |
| Senior (Above 61 years | $22 |
| Child (4 to 12 years) | $16 |
| Military Reserve | $22 |
Tickets for the Crown
Booking tickets for the crown is slightly more difficult than for pedestals.
Tickets cannot be purchased on the same day and must usually be reserved weeks or months in advance.
A daily cap of 300 individuals is permitted inside, so reservations fill up quickly. You should make reservations 3 to 4 months in advance.
Due to capacity restrictions, you may only make reservations for up to four tickets at a time and once every six months.
Ticket Prices:
| Visitor’s Age | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 to 61 years) | $25 |
| Senior (Above 61 years) | $22 |
| Child (4 to 12 years) | $16 |
| Military Reserve | $22 |
Here are some more combos and top ticket choices for your Statue of Liberty visit, granting access to the National Monument.
| Ticket Options | Description | Ticket Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Statue of Liberty Tour & Ellis Island Guided Walking Tour | – Liberty Island Ground Access- Small group walking tour, max. 25 people – Witness Manhattan skyline & Lady Liberty views – 4-hour Liberty Island Museum exploration – Pre-reserved Ellis Island tickets | $39 |
| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with Ferry Ride from New York | – Liberty Island Ground Access- Small group walking tour, max. 25 people – Witness the Manhattan skyline & Lady Liberty views – 4-hour Liberty Island Museum exploration – Pre-reserved Ellis Island tickets | $31 |
| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island from Battery Park | – Roundtrip ferry ride from Battery Park to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. – Skip the ticket line to Ferry Ride. – Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. – Audio guides in more than 10 languages. | $30 |
| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island from New Jersey | – Roundtrip ferry ride from New Jersey to Liberty & Ellis Island – Ground Access – Visit the Museum. – Audio guides available in more than 10 languages | $30 |
| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Ferry Tour | – Guided tour covering both Liberty and Ellis Island – Statue of Liberty Ground Access – Includes round-trip ferry tickets – Museum admission at Liberty state Park | $44 |
| Private Ferry Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour | – Guided tour covering both Liberty and Ellis Island – Statue of Liberty Ground Access – Includes round-trip ferry tickets – Museum admission at Liberty State Park | $75 |
Pedestal vs Crown Statue of Liberty: Which View Should You Choose?
The pedestal is easier to access with its wider viewing deck.
Whereas, the crown is more difficult to reach but offers higher views through the iconic windows.
A pedestal view is the best option if the person fears heights or is claustrophobic.
But if you are an adventure lover and eager to have a climbing challenge with your friends and family, Crown View is the one for you undoubtedly.
We suggest you try both the Statue of Liberty crown and pedestal for varied experiences.
The panoramic city views from the pedestal are breathtaking, and the thrilling climb up to the crown’s perch gives you unusual views that few people get to experience.
Whether you pick the crown or pedestal Statue of Liberty viewing area, just being up close to the National Monument is an unforgettable experience!
Book a Skip the Line ticket to get easier access to the grounds of Liberty Island, its attractions and much more.
FAQs
Is it worth going up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, the Crown is worth visiting for the unmatched views and experience, but only if you can climb 300+ stairs.
Is the Statue of Liberty pedestal access worth it?
Yes, the Statue of Liberty pedestal access is definitely worth it.
It provides a more accessible viewing experience than the Crown, with a wider viewing deck offering views of New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan, and the surrounding areas.
Additionally, the pedestal houses a museum where you can learn about the statue’s history and significance, making it a comprehensive tour for visitors of all ages.
What is the difference between the Statue of Liberty pedestal vs Crown Reserve?
The pedestal reserve allows visitors to access the statue’s pedestal, enjoying expansive views from a mid-level vantage point.
On the other hand, the crown reserve grants access to the statue’s crown, providing an intimate viewing experience with limited space and stunning views.
Why can’t you go to the crown of the Statue of Liberty?
Access to the Statue of Liberty crown is allowed but limited for safety reasons.
Climbing to the crown involves going on a steep and narrow staircase, and the confined space inside the crown can only accommodate a limited number of visitors at a time.
To ensure the safety of visitors, access to the crown is regulated, and tickets must be reserved in advance with specific guidelines and restrictions in place.
How difficult is the climb to the crown on the Statue of Liberty?
The climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty can be moderately challenging for some visitors, especially for those not accustomed to climbing stairs or with mobility issues.
Featured Image: Kids.nationalgeographic.com, Elephant.art