Can anybody tell me the reason behind closing the Statue from the public?

I was planning to visit it later this year and was very disappointed to learn that it is not accessible.

Thanks

The stairway is very narrow, so evacuating in the event of an emergency would be slow and ineffective. That is the story according to the local news. It doesn't make complete sense, but whatever. I have heard that going up isn't all that impressive.

You can still visit the island, but most people prefer the views from the Staten Island Frery, which is free and has no lines.

Jess has a good suggestion. I always take people on the ferry and they love it.
I would also suggest the Ellis Island/SOL tour. It's cheap and you can see the statue up close for as long as you like then move on to Ellis Island which is just awesome, not to be missed.

You know its just one of those things about the Statue Of Liberty that you have to do when you go to NYC. I was there in Dec. 2000 and a gale whipped up, we had to leave early and man was I dissapointed I didn't get to go up. I loved NYC so much we are planning 2nd trip already. Do you think this is permanent? I get choked up about landmarks such as this and would hate to think it will be closed.

Several years ago I went to the Statue of Liberty and waited in horrendous lines to climb to the top. I thought it was a waste of time. The staircase in so narrow and you are packed in sardines. You end up taking one step up every few minutes. Then you get up there and the viewing area is tiny and the view doesn't compare to others in NYC and they let you stand there like 5 seconds and then its back down again. I didn't think it was worth it. I wished I had spent more time in the Ellis Island museum on the island which I thought was very interesting and a better use of time. So this is a long way of telling you - don't be TOO disapointed!

Your probably right Kath, as I have seen great views from other places I didn't want to climb for the view. I wanted to see and "feel" the architecture of it! Maybe one day but there are so many other place i haven't been yet so disappointment wont be a problem

Everyone I know who climbed it said it was awful...hot, crowded, claustrophobic, took forever, and then it's not that great once you get up there...and immediately have to turn around and go back down.

Has anyone here been to the top and thought it was worth it?