The Statue of Liberty’s torch has been closed to the public since 1916, and many are just now discovering what the view from the top looks like. While the statue itself has long been a popular tourist destination, visitors were once able to ascend to the torch to enjoy panoramic views of New York City. However, the torch was closed after the “Black Tom” explosion in 1916, which caused significant damage to the arm and torch. Since then, only National Park Service staff have accessed the torch to maintain the floodlights.
Though the torch remains off-limits, the National Park Service provides live-streamed views from cameras installed at the site, offering a glimpse of the harbor, statue, and Ellis Island. Many people have expressed their surprise and awe after seeing these views online, with some lamenting the fact that the torch remains closed to the public and questioning why it hasn’t been reopened.
