In 1885, the dismantled Statue of Liberty arrived in New York after being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. Lady Liberty was delivered in 350 pieces and carried in 214 crates. We’re taking a look at 10 facts to celebrate her arrival 122 years later.
France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States to celebrate America’s first 100 years as a nation. It symbolizes the alliance between France and the U.S. during the Revolutionary War.
1. How many steps are in the Statue of Liberty?
There are 162 narrow and steep stairs leading from the top of the pedestal (6P). Each step is nine (9) inches tall and eight (8) inches long. The crown staircase is a spiral staircase with one half climbing and the other falling. It has a total length of 57 feet (17M). There are no handrails on either the main or crown staircases.
The first 30 steps of the main staircase are made of stone, while the last 21 steps are made of wood. The total height of the statue including the torch is 110 feet (33M).
The base of the statue is 33 feet (10M) wide and 92 feet (28M) long. The island on which it stands is 32 feet (10M) wide and 34 feet (10M) long.
The area below the torch is about 15 feet (4.5M) wide and 45 feet (13M) long. The area above the head is 12 feet (3.7M) wide and 23 feet (7M) long.
There are also five elevator shafts, each 4 feet (1.2M) wide, 10 feet (3M) high and 50 yards (45M) deep. One can climb up to the second floor by using these elevators.
You have to climb 154 steps to climb from the pedestal to the head of the Statue of Liberty. There are 354 steps inside the statue from the pedestal to the crown, which was open to visitors prior to September 11, 2001.
You cannot access the crown without a full security clearance that has to be done in advance of your visit, this includes checks carried out by the FBI. There are 126 steps to the highest level you can access, or you can take the lift.
2. What to Expect When You Have a Crown Access Ticket
You’ll need to get your crown access ticket at the will-call corner within Castle Clinton prior to joining the line for pre-loading up security. Bring your affirmation number, picture ID, and the Mastercard you used to buy the tickets.
Prior to boarding the ship to Liberty Island, you’ll have to clear security. The security is like what you could expect at an air terminal – – you’ll have to eliminate outerwear, have your packs and different things x-rayed, and afterward stroll through a metal identifier. Luckily, this happens in an environment-controlled region, so it’s an agreeable reprieve from the remainder of the experience which is completely presented to the components, whether it’s a virus winter morning or a blistering summer evening. The genuine ship ride to Liberty Island requires around 15-20 minutes, including loading up time.
The “time” on your ticket alludes to when you ought to show up at the crown access security check-point on Liberty Island. By then, you will show your pass and ID and get a wristband giving you admittance to the crown. Storage spaces are accessible to store your possessions while you visit the inside of the Statue of Liberty. Guests are permitted to bring a camera and water bottle to the Statue. The inside of the Statue isn’t cooled (or warmed) so dress for the climate.
Access starts with a visit to the Statue of Liberty Museum on the platform of the Statue. Here you can see the Statue’s unique light very close prior to going to the platform. You can take a lift to the platform level of the Statue, however, past that, there are simple steps.
Contingent upon your speed, it will require around 15-20 minutes to move to the highest point of the crown and back, however, you should invest some energy on the platform level previously or after your climb.
3. What You Should Do Before Climbing into the Statue of Liberty’s Crown
Our family has been able to climb into Lady Liberty’s crown a couple of times and we’ve learned some things that make the process smooth and easy. With a little planning ahead, you can create one of your family’s most memorable New York City Experiences.
Plan ahead. Tickets to the crown sell out 3 – 4 months in advance during the busy seasons. As soon as you know you will be making a trip to NYC, buy your crown tickets. Tickets become available for booking six months ahead of time.
Ticket Pick Up: Crown tickets will not be mailed and there is not digital ticket. Once you arrive at Liberty Park (in NY) or Battery Park (in NJ) head to the ticket will call window. Have your ticket confirmation, the ID of each adult, and the credit card you used to purchase the tickets ready. You will receive bracelets and paper tickets here.
Ferry Ride: After you pick up your tickets, get in line for the security screening and then board the ferry. The security is similar to airport screening except that they let you keep your shoes on and bring water through.
Lockers: After you exit the ferry, head to the base of the statue. You will see signs directing you to the pedestal/crown. Before entering the building, place all bags, purses, and anything else you don’t want to carry in a locker. It’s only 25 cents and you get the quarter back when you return the key.
You are only allowed to take up a camera, water bottle, and necessary medication. We packed things in lockers but did see some people with smaller purses climbing so I’m not sure how well enforced these rules are. Honestly, I think it’s nice to not have to worry about extra items while climbing and I recommend leaving things in the lockers.
Security #2: Enter the base of the statue for another security screening. Yes, you get to do this again!
Bathrooms: After passing security, take a pit stop in the bathrooms since there will not be any once you start climbing the stairs in the statue.
Start the climb: The climb is 393 steps which are about like climbing a 27-story tall building. Adults and kids in our group all did just fine but if you have someone who is not in good physical condition, they may want to sit this one out.
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