Visitors can once again reach the crown of the Statue of Liberty, one of the most iconic vantage points in New York. The viewpoint, which had been closed since the start of the covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, is now accessible to the public again under a reservation system managed by the National Park Service. The reopening marks a significant moment for travelers who have long sought the chance to stand above the city and take in the panorama from a height that feels almost like a separate world above the bustle of Liberty Island.
The National Park Service, the agency responsible for the monument, paused visits in March 2020 and has gradually reopened various parts of the statue over time. The crown is the latest feature to reopen, following earlier access to surrounding areas and other levels of the statue. Tickets for the crown are in high demand, and for a spell in October many time slots were sold out or nearly full, underscoring the enduring interest in this unique experience. The limited availability reflects careful crowd management and the need to preserve the experience for visitors while maintaining safety standards.
To reach the crown, visitors must purchase a ticket in advance. The ascent is made via a narrow staircase consisting of 162 steps, starting from the pedestal level and climbing upward toward a vantage point that stands roughly the height of ten stories. For guests who require enhanced accessibility, the crown can be reached by elevator, ensuring that the experience remains possible for individuals with mobility needs. The pathway to the crown is designed to offer an intimate and dramatic view, but it also requires a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to navigate a compact, vertical ascent.
Liberty Island itself is a small but storied piece of New York’s geography, situated in the middle of New York Bay. The statue, a gift from France that was unveiled in 1886, has long served as a symbol of friendship between nations and a beacon of freedom and welcome. Over the decades, it has become an enduring emblem of New York and the United States, drawing millions of visitors who come to learn about its history, admire its engineering, and glimpse the city from a vantage point that few other places can offer. The crown’s reopening adds another chapter to the monument’s ongoing story and offers a tangible link to the past while inviting new conversations about immigration, liberty, and national identity. According to the National Park Service, the experience is designed to balance historical significance with modern standards for accessibility and safety, ensuring that guests can appreciate the statue’s grandeur in a responsible and memorable way.