Why It’s Green and Other Things You Need To Know Before Visiting the Statue of Liberty

The most iconic structure in the United States is not the Empire State Building, but like the emblematic skyscraper, it’s located in New York. The Statue of Liberty, known throughout the world as a symbol of the United States’ most important values: freedom and democracy, remains mysterious to many. From its color to its origins and its weight, there is plenty people want to know about Lady Liberty (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984) before they pay it a visit.

• Where is the Statue of Liberty located in New York? What island is it on? Is it in New Jersey?
• How to get to the Statue of Liberty?
• How far is the Statue of Liberty from Times Square?
• Is the Statue of Liberty taller than the Eiffel Tower?
• How much does the Statue of Liberty weigh?
• Why is the Statue of Liberty green? What material is it made of?
• Why did France gift the Statue of Liberty to the US?
• When was the Statue of Liberty built?
• What is the real name of the Statue of Liberty?
• Is there a Statue of Liberty in France?
• What is written on the tablet of the Statue of Liberty?
• How can I visit the Statue of Liberty? Can I go inside the Statue of Liberty?
• Can I go to the top of the Statue of Liberty?
• Is there an elevator in the Statue of Liberty?
• How many stairs are there in the Statue of Liberty?
• Hotels near the Statue of Liberty

Where is the Statue of Liberty located in New York? What island is it on? Is it in New Jersey?

While the dotted lines on Google Maps may show that the statue is located in New Jersey, it is actually within the territorial jurisdiction of the state of New York. Liberty Island, where the statue stands, is a federal property run by the National Park Service.

The exact address of Lady Liberty is: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004

How to get to the Statue of Liberty?

Photo: Photo Spirit/Shutterstock

Because the statue is located on Liberty Island, you can’t just walk to it — you’ll need to ride a ferry for about 15 minutes to get there. The only company authorized to get you there is City Experiences. The ferry departs from Battery Park in New York, as well as from Liberty State Park in New Jersey, throughout the day.

How far is the Statue of Liberty from Times Square?

There are four miles between Times Square and Battery Park, from where the New York ferry departs to Liberty Island. It will take you about one hour and 20 minutes to walk from one to the other.

If you prefer taking public transport, hop into the #1 train northbound from the Times Square – 42nd Street station to the South Ferry station. The train is direct, runs every four minutes, and takes about 20 minutes. You’ll need to walk two minutes from the South Ferry station to Battery Park.

No matter how you get to Battery Park, note that the ferry ride from there to Liberty Island takes 15 minutes.

Is the Statue of Liberty taller than the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is 1083-foot-tall (from the ground to the tip of the tallest antenna). It is much taller than the Statue of Liberty which measures 305.1 feet (from the ground to the tip of the torch).

How much does the Statue of Liberty weigh?

The statue weighs 225 tons. (This measurement does not include its large pedestal.)

Why is the Statue of Liberty green? What material is it made of?

Photo: Sanchai Kumar/Shutterstock

The statue is made of copper (31 tons of it). Over the years, the copper has oxidized and turned green naturally.

Why did France gift the Statue of Liberty to the US?

The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to the United States to commemorate the alliance of the two countries during the American Revolution (also known as the US War of Independence), but also to honor the determination of the US to be an example of freedom and democracy.

When was the Statue of Liberty built?

The statue was made by French sculptor and painter Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi. Work started in 1876 and the finished statue was presented in France in 1884. It was then disassembled and shipped to the US in 1885. It was reassembled and set up on its newly created pedestal in 1886.

What is the real name of the Statue of Liberty?

The original name of the statue is Liberty Enlightening the World.

Is there a Statue of Liberty in France?

There are many replicas of the Statue of Liberty throughout the world, including several in Paris, but the most famous of all is a small-scale, bronze replica located on the Ile aux Cygnes near the Grenelle Bridge in Paris. It was gifted to France by an American organization in 1885 to commemorate the centennial of the French revolution.

What is written on the tablet of the Statue of Liberty?

Photo: PatSimmons/Shutterstock

The tablet that Lady Liberty holds in her left hand is inscribed with the date of the American Independence July 4, 1776, written in Roman numerals (July IV, MDCCLXXVI).

How can I visit the Statue of Liberty? Can I go inside the Statue of Liberty?

Yes, you can go and see the statue on Liberty Island, and even go inside, all the way into her crown. To do that, you need to book a ticket with the only authorized concessioner: City Experiences.

It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets well in advance to be able to visit Liberty Island and the statue on your preferred date.

Can I go to the top of the Statue of Liberty?

With the appropriate ticket, you can go all the way to the crown of the statue but the visit is limited to 10 minutes. Note that the torch is not accessible to the public.

Tickets to access the crown should be booked well in advance, sometime months.

Tickets that include access to the crown cost $24.80 for adults between the ages of 13 and 61; $18.30 for people 62 or over; and $12.30 for children between the ages of four and 12.

Is there an elevator in the Statue of Liberty?

There is an elevator to reach the top of the pedestal, but the crown is accessible by stairs only.

How many stairs are there in the Statue of Liberty?

There are 215 steps to get to the top of the pedestal, and 162 steps from the top of the pedestal to the crown, making for a total of 377 steps. Note that the spiral staircase from the top of the pedestal to the crown is narrow and steep.

Hotels near the Statue of Liberty

Because you can’t actually stay overnight on Liberty Island, at the foot of the statue, Matador has selected hotels in New York City that are close to Battery Park from where the ferry leaves to go to Liberty Island.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Casa Cipriani New York

Photo: Expedia

Photo: Expedia

Photo: Expedia

Located less than 10 minutes on foot from the ferry that will take you to Liberty Island, Casa Cipriani New York is a luxury property that consists of 47 rooms and suites, all with balconies and views of Lady Liberty. The five-star hotel, set up in the Beaux-Arts style Battery Maritime Building, has a large wellness center with a full-service spa, two restaurants, and three bars/lounges.

Sonder Battery Park

Photo: Expedia

Photo: Expedia

Photo: Expedia

Sonder Battery Park is an aparthotel complex located less than 10 minutes on foot from the ferry that will take you to Liberty Island. Each apartment has a kitchenette and a dining nook (some even have a Peloton). The complex has a seasonal rooftop pool with waterfront views, a fitness center, and a co-working space.

Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown

Photo: Expedia

Photo: Expedia

Photo: Expedia

The Hilton Garden Inn is an affordable option that’s only seven minutes away from the the ferry that will take you to Liberty Island and the statue. This four-star hotel has 250 rooms all equipped with free WiFi, an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.