A Close Look at What's Inside the Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty is a remarkable work of art, designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, best known for constructing the iconic Eiffel Tower. Beyond its awe-inspiring, copper-plated exteriors, the statue has fascinating interiors that tell the story of its creation and history.
Stay on this page as we explore what's inside the Statue of Liberty and what you can expect to see during your visit.
Highlights Inside the Statue of Liberty
What’s Inside the Statue of Liberty?
The Pedestal
The Pedestal is at the base of the monument. It features a museum where you can learn about the statue's construction and history. Walk through the majestic Centennial Doors and you’ll see 192 steps that take you to the top of the pedestal. You’ll encounter two sets of stairs - one to climb up and the other to descend.
While there are a total of seven floors inside the pedestal, three of them are especially noteworthy. The 3rd level gives you access to the outdoor platform and the 6th floor features an observation deck with breathtaking views of the harbor and two exit points. From the 7th floor begins the incredibly steep and long climb to the statue’s Crown.
The Staircase
As you make your way toward the crown, you’ll come across the Double Helix Stairway. Boasting distinct sets of stairs for ascending and descending, it’s located in the center of the support structure. There are designated rest areas along the way in case you get tired.
Going up, you’re so close to the structure that you can witness the intricate metal frames providing support to the statue and ripples to her gown.
The Head & Crown
Lady Liberty’s diadem (or crown) has seven spikes, each of which symbolizes the seven continents and the seven oceans of the world. The 25 windows on the Crown are an embodiment of the 25 gemstones of the Earth. That's not all, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the harbor through these windows.
You’ll have to climb 146 of the double-helix spiral stairs to reach the Crown. Only a limited number of visitors can see the crown at any given time, making sure that you have an intimate and exclusive experience. From this vantage point, you can also see the intricate details of the statue up close, including the delicate strands of her hair.
The Torch
The Torch held afloat by Lady Liberty was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. Since then, it has been a symbol of enlightenment, liberty, and democracy.
The 1916 Black Tom explosion caused significant damage to the torch, after which it remained closed to the public for a long time. It was only in 1980 that the torch was replaced, with the original piece now in the Statue of Liberty Museum. While the torch is still off-limits to the public, there’s a way to access it, if the need arises. A gate is located at its neck that grants entry to a narrow passageway with two ladders, one of which leads to the top.
How Do I Go Inside the Statue of Liberty?
While New York has a plethora of remarkable sights, the Statue of Liberty ranks at the top of the list. To explore the inside of the Statue of Liberty, enter through the Pedestal and then make your way to the different sections inside.
Book your tickets online to explore everything inside this must-see landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions About What’s Inside the Statue of Liberty
Yes, you can go inside the Statue of Liberty, however, make sure to book your tickets in advance.
Inside the Statue of Liberty, you can explore the museum in the Pedestal, climb up to the observation deck in the Crown, and see the original torch and copper flame in the lobby.
Yes, you can take a guided tour and learn about Lady Liberty from an expert tour guide. This ticket also allows you to skip long queues.
Check out the famous torch exhibit on the first floor of the Pedestal that showcases the original 1886 torch once held by Lady Liberty. The museum also has three interactive galleries, narrating the statue’s history. Aside from this, you can also visit the Crown, the Torch, and the observation deck.
The observation deck and the stairway are some of the more popular highlights inside the statue. There’s also a museum with three interactive galleries that tell the statue's history.
Although it is free to go inside the Statue of Liberty, you will require tickets to access the Crown and Torch.
You can take pictures for personal use with handheld devices inside the Statue of Liberty.
There is no specific dress code to visit the statue. However, wear comfortable shoes and clothing because you’ll have to do a lot of walking and climbing inside.
Exploring the inside of the Statue of Liberty gives you a close look at the creation and history of this monument. If you’re looking to deep dive and learn more about the landmark, a tour inside the Statue of Liberty is highly recommended.
Yes, the Statue of Liberty is wheelchair accessible, with elevators available to take visitors with mobility impairments to the Pedestal and observation deck levels. However, the climb to the Crown is not accessible due to its narrow staircase.
During high season, the waiting time to go inside the Statue of Liberty can take anywhere between 1 - 2 hours. Book yourself a guided tour for priority access.
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