Governors Island imagery

Statue of Liberty National Monument

The world-famous symbol of freedom and democracy in New York Harbor

THINGS TO DO

Ranger-guided tours of the Island's grounds are offered free of charge at regularly scheduled times throughout the day (staff permitting). Program listings are posted at the Island's Administration/ Information building.

Visitors with a "Monument Pass" can explore the Museum Gallery and Pedestal Observation Levels. Monument Passes are available FREE by request from the ferry company with the purchase of a Reserve ferry ticket.


Old view of the Statue of Liberty

Located on a 12-acre island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924. Set atop its pedestal in 1886, it was then the tallest structure in New York City. The height from ground to torch is 305 feet; the height of the statue is 151 feet; the thickness of its copper skin is only 3/32 of an inch, or about 2 pennies. The base of the Statue is Fort Wood, once part of New York Harbor's inner defenses. The statue was extensively restored in time for her spectacular centennial on July 4, 1986. About 3.4 million people visited the monument in 2006.

Etched on a bronze plaque on the inner walls of the statue's pedestal is this famous poem by Emma Lazarus:

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land,
Here at our sea-washed, sunset-gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome, her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin-cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she,
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore;
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"