A close look at what's inside the Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty is a remarkable work of art, designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, best known for constructing the iconic Eiffel Tower. Beyond its awe-inspiring, copper-plated exteriors, the statue has fascinating interiors that tell the story of its creation and history.

Stay on this page as we explore what's inside the Statue of Liberty and what you can expect to see during your visit.

Highlights inside the Statue of Liberty

The Torch

The Torch

Sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi originally envisioned the torch’s flame crafted from solid copper to reflect sunlight during the day. However, weather damage and water leakage over time led to its replacement.

The Crown
The Observation Deck
The Harbor View
The Double Helix Staircase

What to see inside the Statue of Liberty

Explore the Pedestal

The Pedestal is at the base of the monument. It features a museum where you can learn about the statue's construction and history. Walk through the majestic Centennial Doors and you’ll see 192 steps that take you to the top of the pedestal.  You’ll encounter two sets of stairs - one to climb up and the other to descend.

While there are a total of seven floors inside the pedestal, three of them are especially noteworthy. The 3rd level gives you access to the outdoor platform and the 6th floor features an observation deck with breathtaking views of the harbor and two exit points. From the 7th floor begins the incredibly steep and long climb to the statue’s Crown.

Learn more about the Statue of Liberty's Pedestal here

Ascend the Staircase

As you make your way toward the crown, you’ll come across the Double Helix Stairway. Boasting distinct sets of stairs for ascending and descending, it’s located in the center of the support structure. There are designated rest areas along the way in case you get tired.

Going up, you’re so close to the structure that you can witness the intricate metal frames providing support to the statue and ripples to her gown.

The Head & Crown

Lady Liberty’s diadem (or crown) has seven spikes, each of which symbolizes the seven continents and the seven oceans of the world. The 25 windows on the Crown are an embodiment of the 25 gemstones of the Earth. That's not all, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the harbor through these windows.

You’ll have to climb 146 of the double-helix spiral stairs to reach the Crown. Only a limited number of visitors can see the crown at any given time, making sure that you have an intimate and exclusive experience. From this vantage point, you can also see the intricate details of the statue up close, including the delicate strands of her hair.

Find more information on the Crown here

The Torch

The Torch held afloat by Lady Liberty was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. Since then, it has been a symbol of enlightenment, liberty, and democracy.

The 1916 Black Tom explosion caused significant damage to the torch, after which it remained closed to the public for a long time. It was only in 1980 that the torch was replaced, with the original piece now in the Statue of Liberty Museum. While the torch is still off-limits to the public, there’s a way to access it, if the need arises. A gate is located at its neck that grants entry to a narrow passageway with two ladders, one of which leads to the top.

Check out more about Lady Liberty's Torch

How do I go inside the Statue of Liberty?

How Do I Go Inside - Inside the Statue of Liberty

While New York has a plethora of remarkable sights, the Statue of Liberty ranks at the top of the list. To explore the inside of the Statue of Liberty, enter through the Pedestal and then make your way to the different sections inside.

Book your tickets online to explore everything inside this must-see landmark.

Visitor tips

  • Book your tickets well in advance to avoid waiting for hours in long queues.
  • Stay on the left side of the ferry for better views and photos.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as there is a lot of walking and climbing.
  • Make sure you set aside five to six hours for your visit.
  • Arrive early. The best time to visit is when the gates open, as it is the least crowded.
  • Book your tickets to the Crown at least a week in advance since access is limited.
  • Pack light as large bags, backpacks, and refreshments are not allowed inside.
  • Take a Statue of Liberty guided tour to know more about the history of the statue and why and how it came into existence.

Frequently asked questions about what’s inside the Statue of Liberty

Yes, you can go inside the Statue of Liberty, however, make sure to book your tickets in advance.

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