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Seeing the Statue of Liberty
Reaching a noteworthy milestone in 2011, the Statue of Liberty was celebrated on its 125th anniversary on October 28, 2011 -- marking more than a century since Lady Liberty first opened to the public in 1866. The launch of the Statue of Liberty 'torch cam' was only part of the extravaganza for the anniversary, topped off with a Macy's fireworks spectacular that night. Almost immediately following, Miss Liberty was closed to the public for a year-long renovation project that was completed in 2012. After Miss Liberty's makeover, her grand re-opening on October 28, 2012 occurred just as the famous statue turned 126 years-old.
Whether traveling the Eastern Seaboard or direct into New York City, a visit to the Statue of Liberty is second only to the Empire State Building on the to-do list of tourists who flock to New York City by the millions each year.
Its sheer size makes it a landmark in New York Harbor, where it famously played a part in the experience of 19th century immigrants whose first glimpse of the U.S. was none other than Miss Liberty. Built from designs by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from France to the United States and dedicated on October 28, 1886. A century later, she was the scene of wild celebration and fireworks displays at her centennial in 1986. Now into the 21st century she continues to spark the imagination as an enduring symbol for freedom and democracy throughout the world. Following the attacks of 9/11, the statue was closed to visitors for 3 years as new security measures were enacted to allow the Statue of Liberty to reopen in August 2004, with full access to the Promenade and observatory. The statue's famous crown, which was finally opened to visitors on July 4, 2009 to great fanfare, allowed visitors full access to Miss Liberty and a sweeping view of New York Harbor through 25 windows at the statue's highest point.
From there, it's just matter of following the "This Way to the Statue of Liberty" signs to buy tickets at Castle Clinton in Battery Park. $13 for adult general admission includes ferry service to and from Manhattan Island. Upon arrival, Liberty Island's 12 acres offers lots of room for picnics and family gatherings on its sprawling green lawns and park benches, along with 360-degree views of the surroundings including Manhattan Island, the New Jersey Hudson River shoreline, and Staten Island's Verazzano Narrows Bridge.At the base, you can also visit the cafeteria for a bite to eat or browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs. Inside, also be sure to view the Statue of Liberty museum featuring lots of interesting historical photos and interesting trivia about Miss Liberty throughout her history. UPDATE: The museum is currently being completely revamped with a completely new design, and is scheduled to open in 2019.
• The Statue of Liberty is the tallest statue in the United States.
Statue of Liberty Webcam Live - How's she looking today?
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For many visitors and locals alike, a trip to the statue of Liberty begins with the subway on the IRT 1, 4 or 5 lines - which all converge at Battery Park or Bowling Green. 
