Uncover the rich heritage of the Statue of Liberty, an enduring emblem of hope. Learn about its construction, symbolism, and how to visit this landmark.
🗽 The Foundation of Freedom: Latest Updates from the Statue of Liberty National Monument
While the Statue of Liberty herself stands as an eternal beacon, the National Monument that houses her is continually undergoing preservation efforts to ensure Lady Liberty’s message of freedom endures for generations to come. Visitors to Liberty Island will find significant infrastructure work underway, particularly on the historic grounds surrounding the statue’s base.
Major Restoration Project: The Fort Wood Terreplein
The most significant update for visitors is the ongoing, multi-million dollar Terreplein Rehabilitation Project at the base of the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal, within the walls of historic Fort Wood.
- What it is: The terreplein is the 50,000-square-foot outdoor pedestrian plaza that encircles the pedestal. This area is the main walking surface for visitors approaching the statue.
- Current Status: This $27.5 million project, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, is currently in progress. As of late 2025, approximately half of the work has been completed.
- The Goal: The project aims to dramatically improve visitor access, safety, and the long-term preservation of the historic structure. Key components include:
- Replacing the entire stone walking surface.
- Installing a waterproof membrane to protect the historic utility rooms and structure underneath.
- Adding new drainage systems and a snowmelt conduit to prevent ice damage and slips in winter.
- Expected Completion: The project is on track to wrap up in late 2025.
While this work is ongoing, the Statue, its Pedestal, and the Statue of Liberty Museum remain open to the public, though visitors may see construction activities and some temporary re-routing on the grounds.
Statue of Liberty: Visitor Information and Access
Planning a trip to Liberty Island still requires advanced planning, especially for those wishing to enter the monument itself.
- Access Tickets: The only authorized ferry service is Statue City Cruises. The National Park Service strongly recommends purchasing tickets in advance, especially for interior access.
- Crown Access: Tickets to climb the spiral staircase to the crown are extremely limited and must be reserved well in advance (often months ahead).
- Pedestal Access: Tickets to the pedestal observation balcony are also limited and require advance purchase.
- General Admission: This ticket grants access to the ferry, Liberty Island grounds, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. It does not include access inside the pedestal or crown.
- Museum Highlights: The Statue of Liberty Museum, opened in 2019, is an essential part of the visit. It is free with a general admission ferry ticket and houses the statue’s original torch (carried from 1886 to 1984) and features interactive exhibits on the statue’s history and construction.
Statue of Liberty: A Note on International Incidents
A recent news event involving a Statue of Liberty replica in Brazil has caused confusion, but it is important to clarify:
- The Replica Collapse: On December 15, 2025, a large replica of the Statue of Liberty located outside a Havan megastore in Guaíba, Brazil, collapsed due to strong winds.
- Fact Check: The original Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor remains standing and structurally sound. The New York monument is maintained by the National Park Service and the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.
