- Millions of Dollars in Renovations Add to Visitor Experience -
Families visiting New York City this summer will enjoy greater access to the Statue of Liberty. After a multi-million dollar renovation is complete in July, visitors will be able to explore the Statue of Liberty museum, peer into the intricate inner structure through a glass ceiling near the base of the statue and enjoy the 360 degree views from the observation deck on top of the 16-story pedestal. Planned security enhancements also include improved exits and a secondary screening process. In addition, a new reservations ticketing system will help eliminate long lines further enhancing the visitor experience.
Prior to September 11, 2001 the Statue hosted an average of 4 million visitors per year and by the end of 2003 attendance numbers had dropped by nearly 45%.
Millions of visitors each year look forward to making the journey and beginning this summer they will be able to fully experience the history and glory of the Statue of Liberty, said Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman of NYC & Company. These visitors will not only make a trip to the Statue in increased numbers - they will dine in our restaurants, shop in our stores and stay in our hotels spending money directly into our city's economy and helping to support the tourism industry's more than 226,100 jobs.
The Statue of Liberty is not only a national treasure, but a revered symbol of New York City's spirit, said Cristyne L. Nicholas, President and CEO of NYC & Company. Since 1886, Lady Liberty has welcomed millions of visitors to the world's second home and now, she can welcome them back to lower Manhattan and Liberty Island. I commend NYC & Company Chairman Jonathan M. Tisch for his leadership and tireless advocacy on behalf of the Statue of Liberty.
A private fundraising campaign to reopen the statue was launched by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation last November with a pledge from American Express, which helped spearhead the campaign, to donate $3 million. Contributions to the campaign totaled $7 million, including $25,000 from the NYC & Company Foundation.
