Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty's Grandeur: Exploring the Statue of Liberty in the Heart of New York City
Standing tall and proud in the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom, democracy, and the spirit of the United States. This colossal monument, a gift from France to the United States, has become an enduring emblem of hope and opportunity. Join us as we delve into the rich history, features, and significance of the Statue of Liberty, an awe-inspiring landmark that graces the shores of New York City.
History and Significance:
Designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with the framework engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. The monument's completion marked the centennial of the Declaration of Independence, symbolizing the enduring friendship between France and the United States and the shared values of liberty and democracy.
Location:
Situated on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty offers a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline and the surrounding waterways. Accessible by ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, the journey to the statue is as much a part of the experience as the monument itself. Visitors are treated to stunning vistas of the cityscape and the majestic statue as they approach Liberty Island.
Features:
Lady Liberty's Torch: At 305 feet from heel to tip, the Statue of Liberty holds a torch high above her head, symbolizing enlightenment and freedom. The torch, which was restored in 1984, is now covered in gold leaf, shining brightly against the backdrop of the New York skyline.
Crown and Tablet: Visitors can ascend the statue to the crown via a spiral staircase, offering a unique perspective on the harbor and city. In her left hand, Lady Liberty holds a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence – July 4, 1776.
Pedestal and Museum: The statue stands on a pedestal that houses the Statue of Liberty Museum. This museum, opened in 2019, showcases artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that highlight the history and significance of the statue. It's a must-visit for those seeking a deeper understanding of this iconic monument.
Exterior Details: The statue's exterior features intricate details, from the folds of her robe to the seven-pointed crown on her head, representing the seven seas and continents. The copper patina, a result of natural weathering, gives the statue its distinctive green hue.
Conclusion:
The Statue of Liberty, with its towering presence and profound symbolism, stands as a testament to the ideals that form the foundation of the United States. As visitors approach this monumental statue, they can't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration, understanding the significance of the freedom it represents. A visit to the Statue of Liberty is not just a tourist experience; it's a journey through history and a celebration of the enduring values that define the nation.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic part of New York and was the first thing that immigrants arriving would see as they passed on there way to Ellis Island.
My recommendations for a trip to the Statue of Liberty would be.......
     Get there early! i like to get on the first boat out there (8.30am), as this allows you to avoid the crowds as they build up through the day
     Stand upstairs at the back of the boat on the railings as the view that you get leaving battery park is amazing and as you can see from my pictures it makes for some excellent shots.
The pictures that you can get from the pedestal / walkway and base are some of the best shots i have taken in New York, and on a clear day you can get some awesome views of Manhattan & Brooklyn.
My Favourite Pic from Liberty Island
Although the Statue of Liberty is one of the most pictured attractions in New York, i just love the picture that i captured from the pedestal in Jan 2022, it was a bitterly cold day but clear blue skies and it allowed me to capture the sun bouncing off Manhattan and Brooklyn and the jetty from Liberty Island leading out into the Hudson.
Take a look top right i even managed to get a helicopter in without even knowing!
This picture now hangs above my bed at home!
Crown Access
To get to the top of the crown visitors climb 354 steps to reach the crown up a tight spiralling staircase that see's both up and down pass each other in a small space but without actually passing (you'll see what i mean when you climb these) and there are 192 steps in order to reach the top of the pedestal. There are 25 windows in the crown which symbolize 25 gemstones found on the earth. The seven rays of the Statue's crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world.
there are small stopping places on the way up the spiral staircase to stop for a breather if needed. Once up to the top you soon realise that this isn't the biggest of spaces but the realisation that you are in the crown of the Statue of liberty is a great buzz and once there, take a look out of the windows to the right where you can get a picture of the torch being held high by the Roman Goddess Libertas of who the statue is based on.
A Few of my many visits to Lady Liberty!
Statue of Liberty Museum
Dont forget to finish your Statue of Liberty trip with a visit to the Museum, there are lots of interactive things to do and plenty of history about the build of the statue and the architecture and engineering.
There is also a display of the original torch in the museum.
One of the fun things to do is to get your picture taken at one of the booths where they make up a collage in the visitors centre then email you the picture after as a nice memento of your trip to the Statue of Liberty.
