The Statue of Liberty is famous for its beauty and significance, drawing in over 4.5 million visitors annually.
While the entire statue is worth exploring and watching, the pedestal and crown are two significant parts that capture visitors’ attention.
Accessing the pedestal and crown involves climbing the spiral staircase within the statue, with separate ticket upgrades required for each level.
Don’t worry! We will explore everything about the pedestal and the crown, helping you decide which one to choose for your Lady Liberty experience.
At a Glance…
| Pedestal | Crown |
|---|---|
| Serves as the foundation of the statue. | Top most viewing location of Lady Liberty |
| Designed by: American architect Richard Morris Hunt. | Designed by: Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the same as the statue. |
| Construction material: concrete and granite. | Construction material: copper sheets supported by an iron frame. |
| Dimensions: Approximately 154 feet (47 meters) | Dimensions: The spike height is 9 feet (2.7 meters), and the base circumference is 35 feet (10.7 meters). |
| Views: New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan, and the surrounding areas of Liberty Island. | Views: This is a bird’ s-eye view of the statue’s torch, the crown’s interior, and the New York City skyline. |
Comparing their Height and Dimensions
The pedestal is 154 meters high and was designed to raise the Lady Liberty above New York Harbor.
Architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the pedestal, using materials like concrete and granite to withstand the 225-ton statue.
The stone structure of the Pedestal rests between the statue’s base and the old, star-shaped military fort on Liberty Island.
However, the highest point of the statue that is currently accessible is the crown, which sits atop the statue’s head.
France gave the statue to the United States with the crown already attached, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
It consists of seven spikes, each representing the seven continents and oceans of the world.
The crown on Lady Liberty thus represents her message of freedom, enlightenment, and welcome.
How do you Access the Pedestal and Crown?
There are 192 steps to the pedestal, or you can take an elevator and climb an extra 26 steps to get there.
You can enter the pedestal and explore its museum and observation deck if you have tickets.
However, to reach the crown, you have to climb 354 steps up a spiral staircase from the statue’s base.
If you have already climbed to the pedestal, the crown is only 162 steep steps away.
This climb is physically demanding and is not recommended for people with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Note: There are no elevators or lifts available to reach the crown.
Which Offers Better Views? Pedestal or Crown
You can get a mid-level view from the balcony of the Liberty Statue Pedestal, which is located at a height of 154 feet (47 meters).
From there, you can admire the expansive, 360-degree views of the surrounding landmarks and skyline.
The pedestal balcony also has ample space to move around and take in the sights.
Ellis Island, Governors Island, and the Manhattan skyline are some of the top sights visible from the outdoor balcony
At 305 feet (93 meters) above the ground, the crown offers you an aerial view of the entire statue and the neighboring islands.
Twenty-five windows surround a small viewing area inside the crown that offers spectacular views of the statue and the waters.
Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building are the top sites visible from the Crown.
Note: While the views from the crown are impressive, they are limited in scope due to the cramped space, and you can only explore it for 10 minutes.
Comparing Ticket Prices
Access to the pedestal and crown of the Statue of Liberty requires a separate ticket upgrade.
Tickets for the Pedestal
Tickets to the pedestal are limited; therefore, purchasing your ticket in advance is safer.
To enter the pedestal, you must have a ticket that states “pedestal access” along with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Pass.
You can purchase these tickets online or in person at Castle Clinton.
Tickets for the Crown
Booking tickets for the crown is a little more difficult than booking pedestals.
Tickets cannot be purchased on the same day and are usually reserved weeks or months in advance.
There is a daily limit of 300 people inside, so reservations fill up quickly. Make reservations three to four months in advance.
Statue of Liberty Reserve vs Crown Tickets: Reasons Why Reserve Tickets are Better
If you are considering a trip to the Statue of Liberty, don’t get caught up in the hype surrounding its Crown Reserve ticket.
The pedestal’s wider viewing deck makes it easier to get to.
Conversely, the crown is more difficult to reach but provides better views thanks to its iconic windows.
Below are some reasons why Statue of Liberty Reserve tickets are better than Crown tickets:
1. Availability:
Reserve tickets provide access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, and they are more widely available than the limited Crown tickets.
Crown tickets account for only 0.4%, i.e., around 1,80,000 of the tickets sold annually.
For safety considerations, no more than ten individuals can visit the Statue of Liberty’s Crown at a time, with approximately six groups viewing the Crown per hour.
This means that around 300 people are allowed inside the Crown per day, so its tickets must be booked weeks or months in advance.
During the peak months of April through September, they sell out 90 to 120 days in advance, and between October and March, when demand is low, they sell out 75 to 90 days in advance.
2. Cost:
Reserve tickets are only $3 less than Crown tickets, making them a more affordable option for those who want to visit the statue’s interior.
They are easier to book and more available than the limited Crown tickets, which allows for more flexibility in planning your visit.
3. Nothing to See in the Crown
One of the best parts about climbing the 350+ stairs to the Statue of Liberty’s Crown is that you can see the statues inside while you climb. But that’s it.
The Crown at the top of the monument is in a compact location, so only ten tourists can climb at a time.
Once you reach the top, you will find 25 little windows through which tourists can see outdoors.
Unfortunately, these windows are not ideal for taking photographs.
Our Recommendation:
If you enjoy adventure and are looking for a climbing challenge with your friends and family, Crown View is undoubtedly the place for you.
However, remember that Pedestal tickets are easier to purchase than Crown ones, as they are very limited in number and can only be purchased onsite.
Hence, we recommend going up to the pedestal and exploring the Liberty Museum and Immigration History Museum afterward.
FAQs
1. Is it worth going up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, the Crown is worth visiting because it offers a one-of-a-kind experience despite its small viewing area and limited daily access due to security measures.
2. Is the Statue of Liberty pedestal access worth it?
Yes, the Statue of Liberty pedestal access is definitely worth it.
It provides a more accessible viewing experience than the Crown, with a larger viewing deck that offers views of New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan, and the surrounding areas.
The pedestal also houses a museum where you can learn about the statue’s history and significance.
3. Why can’t you go to the crown of the Statue of Liberty?
Climbing to the crown requires a steep and narrow staircase, and the confined space inside the crown can only accommodate a small number of visitors at once.
Access to the crown is regulated to ensure visitor safety, and tickets must be reserved in advance, with specific guidelines and restrictions.
4. How difficult is the climb to the crown on the Statue of Liberty?
The climb to the Statue of Liberty’s crown can be difficult for some visitors, particularly those unfamiliar with stairwells or having mobility issues.
5. Are there restrictions on items to bring to the Statue of Liberty’s crown?
You can bring one cell phone or camera, water in a plastic container, and any necessary medications. However, large bags and other items are prohibited.
Featured Image: Kids.nationalgeographic.com, Elephant.art
