The Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island is now open to the public. The grand opening was followed by a dedication ceremony presented by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. and the National Park Service. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Chairman of the Board Albert Bellas and President and CEO Stephen Briganti, as well as Campaign Chairperson Diane von Furstenberg, delivered remarks at the ceremony, which also included performances from Broadway stars and the Manhattan Girls Chorus.
The 26,000-square-foot museum includes three gallery spaces, each one meant to inspire visitors and educate them about the Statue of Liberty. The experience reaches a finale with an up-close view of Lady Liberty’s original torch. The design of the museum aims to merge landscape and building, offering visitors panoramic views of Lady Liberty, lower Manhattan, and all of New York Harbor. Access to the museum is free with the purchase of a Statue Cruises ferry ticket to Liberty and Ellis Islands.
The new museum is part of a $100 million Liberty Island-wide beautification effort that’s being funded by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. The museum was designed by architecture firm FXCollaborative with exhibits created by experience design firm ESI Design. The structure was built by Phelps Construction Group, and SBI Consultants served as the owner’s representative coordinating activities among all stakeholders.
The Statue of Liberty Monument was gift to the United States from France to celebrate the friendship the two countries experienced during the American Revolution. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has over the years has symbolized the freedom and democracy of the United States. For more information about the Statue of Liberty Museum or visiting Liberty Island go to statueoflibertymuseum.org
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