THING TO DO

Visiting the Statue of Liberty's Crown

Visiting the crown of the Statue of Liberty is one of the most rewarding experiences of any trip to New York City. Visitors get to enjoy views from the small platform in the statue’s head which is roughly 20 stories high.

Some highlights of the crown experience:

  • viewing the interior (framework and copper) of the statue.

  • Seeing the tablet from above, as well as an up-close view of the torch.

  • Feeling the thickness of the copper statue

Starting in 2009, the National Park Service implemented a new system that requires advanced reservations for access to the crown. This reservation system is much different than how the public accessed the crown prior to 2001.

Details

There is not an minimum age for the crown access but instead a minimum height requirement. Children must be at least four (4) feet (1.2 meters) tall to visit the crown. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure their child meets this requirement. Smaller children may ascend as high as the Pedestal. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

A fee is $3 is charged per person for crown tickets.

The crown is located 162 steps above the top of the pedestal and 377 steps above the ground.

  • Due to its extreme popularity, access to the crown is by advanced reservation only. Statue Cruises is the official source for crown reservations as well as the company that provides ferry transportation to the island. All reservations must be made online or by telephone.

  • Crown reservations are not available at the ticket offices or on Liberty Island.

  • There is a maximum of four (4) crown reservations allowed per order.

  • Only one reservation per person is allowed during any six (6) month period.

  • The names of those in your party must be provided at the time of purchase. Tickets are non-transferable.

  • Prior to entering the Statue of Liberty, each ticket holder will be required to show photo ID (except minors without ID) matching the name printed on the ticket.

  • There are restrictions on what can be carried up to the crown.

The crown is open every day except for December 25th. If you are planning a visit in the busy summer months or during the holiday season, reservations should be made farther in advance to ensure access.

The crown is open daily, hours depend on the time of year and boat schedule. Access to the crown varies from the hours the island is open. Visitors should check in the Information Center to find out the last entry times for the day.

Accessibility Information

The climb is strenuous and not without risk. The National Park Service recommends that crown visitors have no significant physical or mental conditions which would impair their ability to complete the climb, such as (but not limited to):
Heart conditions
Respiratory conditions
Mobility impairment
Claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces)
Acrophobia (fear of heights)
Vertigo (dizziness)
Knowledge of assistive listening devices at displays, kiosks, or films would be useful for a person who is deaf or hard of hearing

There are 377 steps from the main lobby to the crown platform. There is an elevator inside the Pedestal. There is no elevator access from the top of the pedestal to the crown platform (from the Statue's feet to the Statue's head).

Last updated: January 18, 2017