Statue of Liberty Crown Access: Closed Since 1986, But Pedestal & Museum Open

You cannot go to the crown or torch of the Statue of Liberty. Both have been closed to the public since 1986 (centennial restoration) — the crown briefly reopened 2009–2012 with extreme restrictions, then closed permanently for safety/security.

What You CAN Access

Why Crown/Torch Closed

• Structural: Narrow double-helix staircase (354 steps), single exit — evacuation impossible in emergency
• Fire/Life Safety: Post-9/11 standards prohibit occupancy
• Security: Symbolic target; screening bottleneck
• Preservation: 4M+ annual visitors' breath/moisture damage copper skin

Ticket Strategy

1. Book 3–6 months ahead at statueoflibertytickets.com (only official source)
2. Pedestal Reserve = grounds + pedestal + museum + audio tour
3. Crown Reserve = NOT AVAILABLE (site still shows for legacy reasons)
4. Reserve + Crown = does not exist

Ellis Island Bonus

Same ferry ($25 adult). Immigration museum, family history center, hospital complex tours. Allow 3–4 hours for both islands.

The crown is closed. The pedestal experience is excellent—and the new museum tells the statue's full story better than the crown view ever did.