Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island

Opened in May 2019, the Statue of Liberty Museum located on Liberty Island highlights the creation and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. While the museum features an array of exhibits about the historic landmark, the true centerpiece of the collection is the original torch carried by Lady Liberty from 1886 to 1984.

 

Ferry Ride to Liberty Island

A few visuals from the ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in NYC.

Vintage postcard before Bedloe's Island was renamed Liberty Island in 1956.

Inside the Crown of the Statue of Liberty

An incredibly tight spiral staircase, a 20 story climb, and a surreal perspective from inside one of the world's most recognizable landmarks - this is the experience of ascending through the girders and copper framework to reach the crown of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. 

There are a few things worth pointing out. 

The Statue of Liberty is smaller than you think. No more than 10 people can fit in the crown at any one time, hence the need for timed entries that (in most cases) require booking months in advance. There is also no elevator to the crown so be prepared for a climb. And finally, despite the lookout there's actually not much of a view considering the statue faces away from the skyline.

All that said, it's an unreal experience to see the landmark this way. To see the framework of the statue up close, to see the island below, to realize where you actually are for a moment. As part of a series of distinctly New York travel shoots I was doing, this one ranks pretty highly.

Looking up into the framework of the Statue of Liberty.