The Statue of Liberty’s torch has been closed to the public since 1916.
Many may not realize that visitors were once allowed inside the torch.
Originally built in France, the iconic statue was shipped to New York in June 1885, where it has stood ever since.
Designed by Edouard de Laboulaye, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States, meant to honor the nation’s ‘centennial of independence and its friendship with France,’ according to the National Park Service.
Today, visitors can book tickets to climb the statue and enjoy breathtaking views of New York City.
However, there was a time when people could go even higher—up into the torch—offering an even more spectacular panoramic experience.
The torch has remained closed to the public since 1916, with only National Park Service staff permitted to enter for maintenance of the floodlights that illuminate it.
Its closure dates back to the ‘Black Tom’ explosion on July 30, 1916.
The explosion, carried out by German agents on Black Tom Island in New York Harbor, caused significant damage to the Statue of Liberty’s arm and torch—the most delicate part of the monument.
Since it has been off-limits for so long, most people have never experienced the view from the torch firsthand. However, the National Park Service has installed cameras, allowing visitors to see the perspective virtually.
Through the EarthCam website, visitors can watch live streams of the torch, the crown, the harbor, the statue itself, and Ellis Island.
While images of the statue—which, fun fact, wasn’t originally green—have circulated online for years, they still manage to surprise people.
“Wow… First time I’m seeing from this view,” one person previously wrote on Twitter.
“Fascinating history for real,” another added, while a third simply commented: “Wow.”
One viewer even described the top-down shot of the statue as their ‘favorite photo of the statue.’
Others pointed out that it’s unfortunate the torch remains closed to the public.
One person remarked: “I never knew they had a balcony up there, it’s a shame it’s been closed! Must be a beautiful view from up there!”
Another questioned: “Why won’t they reopen it?”
Unfortunately, there don’t appear to be any plans to make the torch accessible to visitors again.