The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from the people of France to the United States, officially dedicated on October 28, 1886. French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the statue, while the iron framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel, who later designed the Eiffel Tower. It stands 151 feet tall from heel to the top of its head, with the pedestal and foundation increasing the total height to 305 feet.
The statue is made primarily of copper sheets assembled over an iron framework. The green patina that covers the statue results from natural weathering and oxidation of the copper over time. It holds a torch in its right hand and a tablet in its left hand. The tablet is inscribed with the date “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI,” which represents July 4, 1776, the date of the adoption of the American Declaration of Independence.
Visitors usually take a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey to reach the Statue of Liberty. The site includes the statue, a museum, and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The statue underwent significant restorations in 1986 and again in 2011-2012. During these periods, improvements were made to its structure and visitor facilities.
Access to the statue’s crown was restricted following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, but was reopened to the public on July 4, 2009. The crown has 25 windows and offers panoramic views of New York Harbor. However, getting to the crown requires climbing a narrow 377-step spiral staircase, and tickets must be reserved well in advance due to limited availability.
Maintenance of the Statue of Liberty is an ongoing effort. Over the years, it has been subject to various preservation projects to combat issues like corrosion and wear. The statue was designated as a National Monument in 1924 and is administered by the National Park Service. It attracts approximately 4 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited monuments in the United States.
