Explore the Crown of the Statue of Liberty

Do you have the guts to look out of the windows in the statue’s crown?

If you climbed the stairs up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty some 25+ years ago, you might vividly remember the slow ascent squished in line, shuffling up one step at a time closely followed by the person immediately behind you. However, if you were to visit the crown today, you would find a dramatically different experience (thank goodness!). Here’s what you’ll want to know if you’re considering climbing to the crown on your visit to the Statue of Liberty.

Requirements for Climbing to the Crown

Visiting the crown requires walking up 363 steps in each direction. It’s a fairly steep, but safe, climb (particularly the last 146 steps which are up a narrow double-helix staircase). This is the equivalent of climbing 27 stories. Visitors who are accustomed to lots of walking should have no trouble making the ascent; however, it’s not recommended for young kids (under 8) or individuals who aren’t at least moderately fit.

The new system has dramatically reduced the number of people who can access the crown each day. The upside of this is that the staircase is never crowded, allowing you to take the steps at your own pace. There are many places where you can take a break; however, please note that there is no elevator service, and no assistance is provided. According to the Rangers at the top of the crown, it tends to be busiest in the morning and very quiet in the afternoon. Therefore, they limit the number of people ascending the staircase at any one time, so it’s possible that you could find yourself waiting for your turn, but this is unlikely. The downside of this is that far fewer crown access tickets are available, and they must often be reserved well in advance.

What to Expect When You Have a Crown Access Ticket

You’ll need to pick up your crown access ticket at the will-call booth inside Castle Clinton before joining the line for pre-boarding security. Be sure to bring your confirmation number, photo ID, and the credit card used for the ticket purchase.

Before boarding the ferry to Liberty Island, you’ll need to clear security, which is similar to what you might experience at an airport. You will need to remove outerwear, have your bags and other items x-rayed, and then walk through a metal detector. Fortunately, this takes place in a climate-controlled area, providing a comfortable transition from the rest of the experience, which is almost fully exposed to the elements, whether it’s a cold winter morning or a hot summer afternoon. The ferry ride to Liberty Island takes approximately 15-20 minutes, including boarding time.

The time indicated on your ticket refers to the time you should arrive at the crown access security check-point on Liberty Island. At that point, you will show your ticket and ID and receive a wristband granting you access to the crown. Lockers are available to store personal belongings during your visit inside the Statue of Liberty. Visitors are allowed to bring a camera and a water bottle into the Statue. Additionally, the interior of the Statue is not air-conditioned (or heated), so dressing appropriately for the weather is essential.

Access begins with a visit to the Statue of Liberty Museum located in the pedestal. Here, you can see the Statue’s original torch up close before heading up to the pedestal. While an elevator takes you to the pedestal level, beyond that, you will need to use the stairs.

Depending on your pace, it will take around 15-20 minutes to climb to the top of the crown and back, but you might want to spend some extra time on the pedestal level before or after your ascent.

Tips for Visiting the Crown

• Plan your visit well in advance, but remember ticket changes are available up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. For speedy assistance, call Statue Cruises directly: 877-523-9849 (have your confirmation number handy!)
• Wear comfortable footwear; between waiting in line, boat rides, and climbing stairs, you’ll be on your feet for extended periods.
• Use the restroom once you clear security. These are the only facilities available inside the Statue, and you wouldn’t want to have to leave before reaching the top due to an urgent need!
• In summer, be prepared for high temperatures. Stay hydrated and be aware that it can feel warmer inside the Statue than outdoors. Visiting early in the morning is advisable for cooler conditions.
• In winter, consider wearing a shorter coat while climbing the Statue, as a full-length jacket may cause you to trip on the narrow steps to the crown. Nevertheless, do wear a coat if it’s cold since the area isn’t climate-controlled.
• Take advantage of the provided audio tour. There are options for both adults and children, which significantly enhances the experience of visiting the Statue of Liberty. The audio tour includes spots both inside the museum and around Liberty Island.
• Ask the Rangers if you have any questions! There are Park Rangers stationed throughout the Statue of Liberty who are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.