Lady Liberty's Crown Reopens to Public

In honor of the holiday weekend the Statue of Liberty's crown will reopen to the public for the first time since September 11, 2001. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar presented the news on NBC's "Today Show" in May inside the crown, which will remain open for two years before closing for further refurbishments.

Salazar said that 30 visitors will be allowed in at a time and will be chosen by a lottery system. “We’re going to do it in a fair way,” he said. “Everybody will have a chance to get up to the crown.”

The number of visitors per group will eventually increase. Salazar estimates that 100,000 people per year will be able to climb up to the crown after the safety renovations, which begin in 2011.

Since the re opening of the crown is a much-anticipated event, the Ritz Carlton Battery Park Manhattan is introducing the "Liberty For All Package" and "The Libertini" which will be the hotels signature cocktail for the Fourth of July weekend.

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The "Liberty For All" package includes an overnight luxury stay at the newly renovated Harbor View room with views of the Statue of Liberty  (includes in-room telescope for enhanced viewing); two ferry tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; handmade chocolate Statue of Liberty in-room amenity; and American breakfast for two in 2 West Restaurant.

The package is priced starting from $375 per couple and is available weekdays and weekends. The package is subject to availability, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Spend the Fourth of July weekend with festive spirits honoring this big event.

Want to see what the Statue of Liberty looks like at night? Check out the video from Travel Agent's evening river cruise around the Big Apple.