Statue of Liberty to Reopen on July 4 2009
American Icon Now Accepting Reservations for Access to Crown
For a limited time, beginning on July 4, 2009, the historic symbol of America will reopen and visitors will once again be allowed to climb to the viewing area inside the statue's crown.
A Brief History of Lady Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy on the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The official title of the statue is actually “Liberty Enlightening the World,” and the original, albeit smaller, model for the statue can be found in Paris, France, near the Eiffel Tower.
It was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and designated as a National Monument in 1924. During the 1900s, it was often the first sign of America that European immigrants had as they arrived by ship to begin their new lives.
In 1982, the Statue underwent a massive renovation, reopening to the public on July 4, 1986. During this time, the United Nations declared the monument a World Heritage Site.
The National Park Service made the decision to restrict access to the interior of the Statue of Liberty shortly after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, due to health and safety concerns. Since then, visitors have been allowed to access the base of the statue, but haven’t been able to venture inside any further.
On July 4, 2009, the Statue of Liberty will once again reopen to allow visitors to make the 168-step spiral staircase climb to view New York City from the openings in the crown. This is only for a limited time, though, as plans are to close the statue in 2011 for more renovations that will increase safety and security.
Planning a Visit to the Statue of Liberty
Beginning on June 13, 2009, those wishing to make the long climb to the top of the crown can make reservations through the National Park Service’s ferry service, Statue Cruises.
Tickets to access the Statue of Liberty will be $3 additional to the cost of the ferry tickets (currently $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children). These can be purchased online or by phone at 877-LADY-TIX (877-523-9849).
Each customer may book up to four tickets at a time, up to a year ahead of the planned visit. Each person is also only allowed one visit to the monument during any six-month period.
Visitors will be taken in groups of 10 or less inside for the climb to top, with an estimated three groups an hour. Due to the limited numbers, those visiting during peak travel periods are advised to make reservations as far in advance as possible.
For the modest $15 fee, budget travelers visiting New York City should definitely include this historical American icon in their must-see lists.
The Statue of Liberty
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