Statue of Liberty

New York, NY, United States

The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor stands as one of the most enduring symbols of freedom and democracy in the world. Gifted by the people of France and dedicated on October 28, 1886, the statue was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with its internal structure engineered by Gustave Eiffel.

Officially titled “Liberty Enlightening the World,” the statue depicts a robed woman holding a torch aloft in her right hand and a tablet in her left inscribed with the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence—July 4, 1776. At her feet lies a broken chain, symbolizing the abolition of slavery and the triumph of liberty. Rising 305 feet from the ground to the tip of the torch, the copper-clad monument is perched on Liberty Island and has welcomed generations of immigrants arriving by sea. It was designated a National Monument in 1924 and later became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can explore the Statue of Liberty Museum, which houses the original torch and offers an immersive look at the statue’s history and cultural impact. With advance reservations, guests can also access the pedestal and, for the especially adventurous, climb to the crown for panoramic views of New York Harbor.