The Crown of the Statue of Liberty: Symbolism and Secrets

The Crown of Liberty is one of the most iconic and symbolic features of the Statue of Liberty. Resting atop Lady Liberty’s head, the crown features seven rays, representing the seven continents and seas, and stands as a powerful emblem of freedom and enlightenment. Beyond its stunning design, the crown holds a rich history and deep meaning, offering visitors a rare perspective on the ideals upon which the United States was founded. From its symbolic architecture to the incredible views it offers, the crown is a must-see and a true highlight of the statue’s legacy.

Learn more about the history and symbolism of Lady Liberty on the main Statue of Liberty page.

The Statue of Liberty was officially erected on Liberty Island in 1886, symbolizing freedom and hope for millions arriving in the United States.Renowned sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was the creative mind behind the statue’s design. Interestingly, Bartholdi originally considered placing a pileus—a cap worn by freed Roman slaves—atop Lady Liberty’s head, but later opted for the now-iconic crown, featuring seven rays representing the world’s continents and seas

A somber moment in the monument’s history occurred in 1929, when a tragic suicide took place. A young man jumped from one of the crown’s windows, marking the only recorded instance of such an event at the Statue of Liberty.In 1971, during the height of opposition to the Vietnam War, activists climbed to the crown and flew an upside-down American flag, a powerful symbol of protest.

Access to the crown was restricted in the early 2000s due to heightened security concerns, but was later reopened to the public during the administration of President Barack Obama, restoring a unique visitor experience to one of America’s most enduring landmarks.

Symbolism and Meaning

The crown of the Statue of Liberty features seven rays. The seven rays symbolize the seven seas and the seven continents. The seven-ray crown is called an aureole which has been associated with the sun God Helios in the ancient Greek mythology.

So the crown is meant to signify that the statue of liberty is spreading light and showing the path to the immigrants and others seeking new hope and new opportunities. Being similar to the headgear of Helios, the crown is a reflection of the divine origins of Liberty.

The crown also signifies the universal appeal and reach of liberty by signifying all the oceans and continents.

Observation Deck

The crown of the Statue of Liberty has 25 windows. The interior serves as an observation deck and is a popular spot for visitors. When the statue was erected, two interior spiral staircases was designed. These led visitors to the interior of the crown from where they could enjoy vast views of the harbor.

Today, it is still possible to climb to the crown from the base of the statue. It takes a total of 354 steps for visitors to climb to the crown.

Inside the Crown

The climb to the crown of the statue is hard and rather congested. In some places, the stairs are only 19 inches wide. The interior of the statue can get fairly hot during summers and the temperature inside the crown is particularly high.

For this reason, the National Park Service recommends visitors to take due precautions before deciding to make the climb. Only 240 people are allowed to climb to the top daily.

Tickets may be reserved in advance because of limited slots and the large number of applicants.

What does the crown on the Statue of Liberty symbolize?

The crown represents light and enlightenment. Its seven rays are thought to symbolize the seven continents and seven seas, expressing liberty and freedom spreading across the world.

Can you visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty?

Yes, visitors can access the crown, but access is limited and must be reserved in advance. After being closed post-9/11, crown access was reopened during President Obama’s administration.

Why was the crown of the Statue of Liberty closed in the past?

It was closed multiple times due to safety and security concerns—most notably after the 9/11 attacks—and reopened once enhanced precautions were in place.

Has anything significant happened at the crown of the Statue of Liberty?

Yes, historically, the crown has seen both protest actions, such as an upside-down flag flown during the Vietnam War era, and tragedy, including the only recorded suicide in the statue’s history.

Did Bartholdi originally plan the crown for the statue?

No, sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi first considered a pileus (a Roman cap of liberty), but later changed the design to the now-famous crown with rays.


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