The Statue of Liberty Torch Visitors Cannot Enter (1916)
The Statue of Liberty Torch Visitors Cannot Enter (1916)
Visitors can climb into the Statue of Liberty’s crown, but its torch has been closed to the public since 1916.
The story behind the scene
The National Park Service links the closure to the Black Tom explosion of 30 July 1916. The blast damaged the statue, and public access to the torch did not resume.
The original torch was removed in 1984 during restoration. Its replacement was installed during the work and dedicated for the statue’s centenary in 1986. The new flame is covered in gold leaf.
The statue’s green surface comes from the oxidation of its copper skin. That protective patina is another change hidden by the older photograph’s black and white tones.
What you’re seeing
The older photograph shows the statue above its pedestal with the original torch raised overhead. The modern view keeps the arm and flame visible, allowing the torch’s shape to be compared.
Why this photo matters
The outline is familiar, but the object at the top has changed. The original torch survives in the Statue of Liberty Museum, while its replacement remains above the harbour.
Historical photograph: Detroit Publishing Co., c.1905, Library of Congress, 2016799950. Modern photograph: Origins Publishing archive.
Sources: National Park Service; Library of Congress