Statue of Liberty Closing for $27 Million Renovation

New York Post: The US government is shutting down access to the Statue of Liberty's crown, pedestal and museum for up to a year as it undertakes a $27 million renovation project to make the monument more safe and accessible.

The Interior Department said Wednesday it has awarded a contract to Joseph A. Natoli Construction Corp. of New Jersey to install stairways, replace elevators, rehabilitate restrooms and update mechanical, electrical and fire-suppression systems

The statue's crown, pedestal and museum will close on October 29, a day after the statue's 125th anniversary. Liberty Island will remain open during the project and views of the statue itself should be largely unobstructed.

Two years ago, the US government reopened the crown of Lady Liberty to visitors after blocking access following the Sept. 11 attacks.

The statue was dedicated in October 1886. It was a gift from France, serving as a symbol of freedom and democracy.

"With today's announcement, we are taking a major step in bringing a 19th century icon into the 21st century," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a statement.