Physical Mobility in the Crown

A wide angle view inside the crown of the Statue of Liberty.

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Climbing to the Crown?

Access is limited through a timed ticketing system to ensure the safety of visitors and to prevent overcrowding in the confined spaces of the stairs and the crown. Tickets need to be purchased four (4) to six (6) months in advance, depending on the time of year. Access to the crown is by stairs only, there is no elevator to the crown. Visitors can bring the following items up to the crown: One cell phone and/or camera for pictures per person, water in a plastic container, and any medication needed while inside the monument. For information on accessibility options to the crown, email us.

 

Don't Forget Your Water

Water in a plastic bottle is permitted inside the crown. Water fountains are located in the lobby of the Statue of Liberty near the restrooms. Speaking of restrooms, the lobby facilities are the only restrooms located inside the statue. We recommend a pit stop before you climb! 

 

This diagram shows the vertical distance (feet/ inches) above ground level for each rest area located inside the statue.  There are 162 steps from the top of the pedestal (6P Level) to the Crown Platform.

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Crown Stairs Dimension

From the top of the pedestal (6P Level), 162 stairs are narrow and steep in dimension. Each step is nine (9) inches in height and eight (8) inches in length. The crown staircase is a double helix with one spiral section ascending and the other spiral descending, allowing for a safer flow of visitor traffic.

 

A 22-inch wide standard staircase will be utilized to begin your initial ascent up to crown.

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Beginning Your Ascent

Visitors must begin their climb to the crown by surrendering their wristbands to the ranger stationed at the top of the pedestal (6P Level). All accompanying children must be 42 inches (1.1 meters) or taller. This has been determined to be the limit for maintaining children's safety walking up and down the spiral staircase by holding on to the staircase railings. When possible, children should always be placed between two adults during their climb. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. There is no elevator to the crown.

 

Transitioning to a double helix spiral staircase, there are 146 steps remaining to the Crown Platform.

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You've arrived inside the statue. Climbing higher?

After completing the first 16 steps leading into the statue, visitors will transition to a narrow spiral staircase for the remainder of their ascent. This portion of the climb contains 146 winding steps of a double-helix spiral staircase. Due to the design of the stairs, visitors walk in front of each other with low head clearance. If you are six (6) feet or taller, you must watch your head as you ascend/descend the crown staircase.

 

Double-helix (spiral) staircase leading from Level 7P to Level 4S inside the Statue.

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Spiraling up

Once on the spiral stairs, visitors will climb 44 continuous steps before reaching the first of four platforms where visitors can rest. Railings on both the right and left-hand sides will allow visitors to hold on as they move through the statue.

 

If You Take a Break on the Platform, Here's a Tip!

When taking a break on your journey up or down from the Crown Platform, remember to look for "UP" or "DOWN" ARROWS on the stairs. Visitors who begin their ascent or descent on the wrong staircase have to yield and turn around for visitors moving in the correct direction. 

 

Four rest stop platforms are located off the double-helix stairs to the crown.

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Need to catch your breath?

There are four platforms for visitors to stop their ascent/descent to take a break and a perfect opportunity for a great picture or two! The largest platform is located at Level 4S (marked with a small sign). There are additional rest stops available above this point during your climb up to the Crown Platform.

 

 

For people with...

Deafness or Hearing Loss

Blindness or Low Vision

Cognitive Disabilities

Service Animals