Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-363-3200
Fax: 212-363-6304
Open All Year
Overview. One of New York's most recognizable landmarks, the Statue of Liberty has symbolized America's welcome, in Emma Lazarus's words, to "huddled masses yearning to breathe free" for over one hundred years. Auguste Bartholdi sculpted this 152-foot copper statue for the French government, which presented it to the United States on July 4, 1886, in honor of the French/American alliance during the Revolutionary War. Ellis Island, the major processing station for immigrants between 1892 and 1954, stands close by Liberty Island at the head of New York City's Upper Harbor. Together they make up this site.What to see and do. A complete tour of both islands can easily occupy your day. From either Liberty State Park in New Jersey or Battery Park in Manhattan, board a Circle Line ferry, which cruises in a loop to both islands. Call 212-269-5755 for schedules and fees. Your first stop is Liberty Island. Notice Fort Wood's star-shaped walls, in which the Statue now stands. In the museum located within the pedestal, an exhibit provides extensive information on the Statue's history, construction, and restoration. But your destination is the Statue itself, which has stairs and an elevator up to the observation deck only. Beyond this, you must climb 354 steps up the winding staircase to reach the Statue's crown. The torch is closed to visitors. Because this climb is the equivalent of 22 stories and very strenuous, persons with physical difficulties should not attempt it. From either point, however, your view of Manhattan and the harbor is splendid. The ferry then brings you to the 27.5-acre Ellis Island, once the primary entry point for newcomers to the East Coast and now the site of a three-story museum. Inside, you'll discover a vast treasure of immigration history, including two theaters and wall-sized graphic displays. Be sure to tour the rooms in which over 12 million immigrants took literacy tests and underwent physical exams. Outside, walk around the powerful American Immigrant Wall of Honor. The names of over 500,000 individuals and families are engraved here courtesy of donations to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. Family names are still being added. The Statue and Ellis Island are open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, both with extended summer hours, and both closed on Christmas. School groups can write in advance to receive pre-visit materials. Large groups should make reservations with the Circle Line Ferry.
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