What’s Inside the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty,  a worldwide symbol of freedom and democracy, stands tall in New York Harbor.

While most can spot the Statue from a distance and recognize its impressive exterior, few are familiar with its interior.

Visitors who prefer a cruise to acknowledge Lady Liberty’s beauty should know there’s more.

From the Statue’s grand pedestal to the majestic crown atop Lady Liberty’s head, each part tells a tale of liberty and the enduring bond between France and the United States.

This article answers your question of how you can go inside the Statue of Liberty to discover its elements and mysteries.

Statue of Liberty Inside Views

Inside the Statue of Liberty are three integral components: the Crown, the Pedestal, and the Torch.

The inside of the Statue of Liberty is largely hollow, with staircases leading to the crown and structural support for the statue.

Along this path, you’ll encounter the Double Helix Stairway, a unique structure with separate sets of stairs for ascending and descending.

As you climb, designated rest areas provide moments to pause and appreciate the remarkable surroundings.

Being this close to the statue lets you see the detailed metal frames supporting it, showing off the skilled craftsmanship behind the statue.

Let’s find out details on what you can expect on your tour:

Pedestal Inside the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty Pedestal forms the base of the statue on Liberty Island.

The Statue of Liberty Pedestal lifts Lady Liberty high above the waters of New York Harbor. 

It’s around 154 feet (47 meters) and gives the statue a strong and important base.

The construction of the Pedestal began in 1884 on Bedloe’s Island.

Richard Morris Hunt designed the structure, and Gustave Eiffel provided engineering expertise.

The Pedestal was completed in 1886, marking a significant milestone in the dedication ceremony.

The main entrance features carved bronze doors, welcoming visitors into the monument.

Inside the Pedestal, you’ll find a museum with exhibits showcasing the history and importance of the Statue of Liberty.

The pedestal is a prominent viewpoint providing breathtaking views of Lady Liberty, the New York skyline, the Hudson River, and the harbor.

How Can You Go Inside the Statue of Liberty Pedestal?

To reach the Pedestal, you must first purchase the tickets online, which grant access to the Statue of Liberty museum, exhibits, and observation deck.

Once your ferry reaches Liberty Island, follow the signs to reach the Pedestal entrance.

Climb the 215 steps or take an elevator to reach the top of the pedestal for panoramic views.

As you plan your visit, check the Statue of Liberty’s opening hours and the best time to go to ensure a memorable exploration.

Inside Statue of Liberty Crown

The Statue of Liberty’s Crown is a powerful symbol of freedom and global unity.

Perched atop Lady Liberty, the crown has seven spikes, each representing the seven continents and conveying a universal message of liberty.

The circular arrangement of spikes and rays was designed by Bartholdi and constructed by Eiffel, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the statue.

The spikes were originally designed to support the statue’s torch and contribute to its present regal appearance.

The crown is another prominent Statue of Liberty viewpoint for those fortunate enough to ascend the crown’s height.

From the crown’s observation deck, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the New York City skyline, the Hudson River, and beyond.

How Can You Go Inside Statue of Liberty Crown?

Inside the statue, a spiral staircase ascends from the pedestal to the crown, totaling 377 steps.

After reaching the top of the pedestal, follow the signs or directions to the entrance of the Crown.

Ascending the crown involves climbing 162 additional stairs in a double-helix spiral staircase, as there is no elevator inside Statue of Liberty to reach the crown section.

The climb can be tiring, and visitors must be physically and mentally prepared for the journey.

Remember to reserve your tickets, and you are all set to go!

Tip! Take a virtual tour for perfect visuals and pictures inside the Statue of Liberty!

Inside the Statue of Liberty Torch:

The Statue of Liberty’s torch is positioned at the statue’s highest point.

This magnificent structure, measuring approximately 29 feet in length and weighing a remarkable 450,000 pounds, is a masterpiece of design.

Initially, the torch worked as a lighthouse, helping ships find their way to the New York Harbor.

Over the course of time, Lady Liberty’s torch has undergone various renovations, with the most notable restoration taking place in 1986 as part of the statue’s 100th anniversary.

The new copper torch is covered in gold, replacing the original copper color.

This gold coating gives it an extra shimmer and glow, ensuring it continues to symbolize hope and opportunity.

The original torch, a historical copper and gold leaf marvel, stands at 16 feet (4.8 meters) at the Statue of Liberty Museum.

Can You Go Inside the Statue of Liberty Torch?

Visitors are not allowed inside the torch of the Statue of Liberty. 

The torch has been closed to the public since 1916 following damage caused by an explosion.

A new torch was installed during the restoration in 1986, but it is purely decorative and not designed for interior access.

Even before 1916, going inside Statue of Liberty torch was challenging. 

Due to the narrow space, a ladder provided access to the torch through the Statue’s arm.

However, many difficulties arose when climbing up the ladder, and repairs were necessary during the restoration due to misalignment.

While going to the Statue of Liberty inside the torch is prohibited, visitors can purchase tickets to visit the statue’s crown for a closer look at Lady Liberty and its surroundings.

Top Tickets for Statue of Liberty Inside Tour

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Featured Photo by Hanna Flores on Unsplash