A Close Look at What's Inside the Statue of Liberty

The Pedestal is at the base of the monument. It features a museum where you can learn about the statue's construction and history. Walk through the majestic Centennial Doors and you’ll see 192 steps that take you to the top of the pedestal.  You’ll encounter two sets of stairs - one to climb up and the other to descend.

While there are a total of seven floors inside the pedestal, three of them are especially noteworthy. The 3rd level gives you access to the outdoor platform and the 6th floor features an observation deck with breathtaking views of the harbor and two exit points. From the 7th floor begins the incredibly steep and long climb to the statue’s Crown.

Lady Liberty’s diadem (or crown) has seven spikes, each of which symbolizes the seven continents and the seven oceans of the world. The 25 windows on the Crown are an embodiment of the 25 gemstones of the Earth. That's not all, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the harbor through these windows.

You’ll have to climb 146 of the double-helix spiral stairs to reach the Crown. Only a limited number of visitors can see the crown at any given time, making sure that you have an intimate and exclusive experience. From this vantage point, you can also see the intricate details of the statue up close, including the delicate strands of her hair.

The Torch held afloat by Lady Liberty was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. Since then, it has been a symbol of enlightenment, liberty, and democracy.

The 1916 Black Tom explosion caused significant damage to the torch, after which it remained closed to the public for a long time. It was only in 1980 that the torch was replaced, with the original piece now in the Statue of Liberty Museum. While the torch is still off-limits to the public, there’s a way to access it, if the need arises. A gate is located at its neck that grants entry to a narrow passageway with two ladders, one of which leads to the top.