AP Photo/Richard Drew
Today visitors to the Statue of Liberty can't venture beyond the top of the statue's pedestal. Beginning July 4, 2009, a lucky few (30 per hour) will be able to climb to her crown.
On May 8, 2009, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that beginning this July 4, the American public will once again be able to visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty, which was closed after the 9/11 attacks for safety and security reasons. Beginning at 10 a.m. (EST) on June 13, 2009, crown reservations may be made through the park’s ferry concessioner, Statue Cruises, or by calling 877- LADY-TIX (877-523-9849).
Ready to make reservations? The National Park Service has put together this list of important things you need to know before you call.
How do I get tickets for the crown?
Beginning at 10 a.m. (EST) on June 13, 2009, crown reservations may be made through the Statue Cruises Web site at www.statuecruises.com or by phone at 877- LADY-TIX (877-523-9849). Crown tickets may be reserved up to 1 year in advance. (Example: Tickets for travel on September 1, 2010 will become available on-line or by phone starting at 10:00 a.m. EDT on September 1, 2009).
Are there any ticket restrictions?
Each customer may reserve a maximum of 4 tickets. Only one reservation is allowed during any 6 month period. Children must be at least 4-feet tall. Names of all ticket users must be provided at the time of purchase to be printed on the tickets. When presenting the tickets to access the Statue on Liberty Island, each ticket holder will be required to show photo ID (except minors without ID) matching the name printed on the ticket.
How do I pick up the tickets?
Crown tickets must be picked up at the ticket office Will Call window (at either Liberty State Park embarkation site or Castle Clinton in Manhattan) by the ticket purchaser. In order to pick up the tickets the purchaser must show photo ID and the same credit card used to reserve the tickets. Crown tickets are for a specific date and time. The ticket will have the time to enter the embarkation site security facility printed on the face.
Will I be able to use tickets I purchased prior to June 13, 2009, to access the crown?
Persons with current ticket reservations (with or without a monument pass) who wish to get crown tickets must use the crown reservation system. If they are successful in acquiring a new boat/crown combined ticket, they must cancel their existing ferry/monument reservation in order to receive a full refund.
Will there be a fee for crown access?
Crown tickets cost $3 each. That cost will be combined with and in addition to reserved ferry tickets, which are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children.
How many people will be allowed into the crown?
For safety considerations, groups of no more than 10 people will visit the crown at a time. About 3 groups will ascend to the crown per hour.
Will the crown be open every day?
Yes, if the park is open. However, the National Park Service reserves the right to cancel reservations at any time for weather, safety, hazardous conditions or any other reason. If the Statue is closed, you may request a refund for your crown passes. However, the ferry ticket price is not refundable once the ticket has been used.
How strenuous is the climb?
The climb to the crown is a strenuous journey that encompasses 354 steps in a cramped enclosed area with high temperatures. The steps within the Statue are 19” wide, are shallow and taper at one end. Head clearance is 6 feet 2 inches. All crown visitors must be able to climb up and down the 354 steps unassisted.
Is it safe to go up the crown?
National Park Service rangers will be on site at all times to assist visitors. Since the statue is not air conditioned, interior temperatures can be 20 degrees higher than the outside. On hot days visitors should drink water at least 30 minutes prior to the climb. There are no rest rooms inside the statue itself. The climb is strenuous and not without risk, and the National Park Service recommends that crown visitors have no significant physical or mental conditions that would impair their ability to complete it, including, but not limited to: heart and respiratory conditions, mobility impairments, claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), acrophobia (fear of heights) or vertigo (dizziness).
For more info: Statue of Liberty National Monument & Statue Cruises
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