Statue of Liberty Guide

A gift to the USA from France in 1886 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American independence, the Statue of Liberty greeted millions of immigrants during the 19th century who came to America to seek a better life. Enjoying a fine position in New York Harbour, this world-famous statue, which was originally called Liberty Enlightening the World, has become a defining American symbol of freedom and democracy. This 45m (151ft) statue of a woman holding a torch aloft, was designed by the French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, and was modelled on the Colossus of Rhodes. A limited number of time passes are issued on the day allowing people to enter the monument. The grounds are still open to the public without a ticket and offer visitors the opportunity to see the statue up close. Nearby Ellis Island, part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, houses a museum devoted to the history of immigration.
Air: New York La Guardia International Airport, New York John F Kennedy International Airport or Newark International Airport. Rail: Underground: Bowling Green. Water: Ferry: The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry departs from Battery Park (New York City) and Liberty State Park (Jersey City, New Jersey). Road: Bus: Public services to ferry terminal.