Statue of Liberty audio tour

Statue of Liberty

It is the New Colossus and symbolizes the universal message of hope and freedom for immigrants coming to America and people seeking freedom.

Due to extensive damage sustained by Hurricane Sandy, Ellis Island and Liberty Island are closed indefinitely. But we can remind the history of this symbol.

The Statue of Liberty, officially known as Liberty Enlightening the World, was presented to the United States by the people of France in 1886.

The copper-clad statue, dedicated on October 28, 1886, commemorates the centennial of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence and was given to the United States to represent the friendship established during the American Revolution.

Frederic Auguste Bartholdi sculpted the statue and obtained a USA patent for its structure. Maurice Koechlin, chief engineer of Gustave Eiffel's engineering company and designer of the Eiffel Tower, engineered the internal structure. Viollet-le-Duc was responsible for the choice of copper in the statue's construction.

The idea for this gift then grew out of the political turmoil which was shaking France at the special time. The French Third Republic was still considered as a temporary arrangement by many, who wished a return to monarchism, or to some form of constitutional authoritarianism such as they had known under Napoleon. The idea of giving a colossal representation of republican virtues to a sister republic across the sea served as a focus for the republican cause against other French politicians.

Statue of Liberty location

The statue is of a robed woman holding a torch.  It’s made of a sheeting of pure copper, hung on a framework of steel. Originally it’s made of puddled iron with the exception of the flame of the torch, which is coated in gold leaf.  In the beginning the torch made of copper and later altered to hold glass panes. The statue is 151 feet, 46 meters, tall. With the pedestal and foundation, it is 305 feet, 93 meters, tall.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous icons of the United States and was, from 1886 until the jet age, often one of the first glimpses of the USA for millions of immigrants after ocean voyages from Europe. However, until its demolition, the Coney Island Elephant was actually the first structure seen by immigrants arriving in the city of NewYork. The Statue of Liberty appears to draw inspiration from the Colossus of Rhodes.

We recommend visit the monument with an audioguide, I download one free.

 

INFORMATION

Fees (when it's open)
$13.00 - 13  to 61 years-old
$10.00- Seniors 62 and over
$ 5.00- Children 4-12

Details
There is no entrance fee to enter the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island. National Park Passes only apply to entrance fees.
Ferry fees:
$17.00, 13 to 61
$14.00, Senior Citizens (62 and over)
$9.00,Children 4 to 12.

Opening hours:  9:00 am - 5:00 pm.  Hours are adjusted seasonally and during holiday periods.

Spring 2009 Season: From April 4th through April 19th, the first ferries to Liberty Island and Ellis Island will depart at 8:30 AM.  If you wish to visit both island's, we strongly suggest arriving on a ferry leaving mainland by 1 pm.

Liberty and Ellis Islands are open daily except December 25th.