Liberty, Ellis islands to partially reopen July 20

The National Park Service announced that Liberty and Ellis islands will partially reopen on July 20 with modified operations.

News 12 Staff

Jul 15, 2020, 4:48 PM

Updated 1,546 days ago

Share:

Liberty, Ellis islands to partially reopen July 20
The National Park Service announced that Liberty and Ellis islands will partially reopen on July 20 with modified operations.
The first phase of the reopening will include access to the grounds of the islands, as well as the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. 
There will also be limited food and gift shop services. 
The Liberty Information Center will be closed, as well as the immersive theaters and interactive exhibits at the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
The interior of the Statue of Liberty, including the pedestal and crown remains closed. It will be included as part of a later reopening phase. 
“The health and safety of our visitors and employees are our highest priority,” said John Piltzecker, superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. “We are pleased to begin welcoming back visitors and we want to share important information about how the visitor experience will be different so that we provide the safest and most enjoyable experience for visitors to the islands.”
Those who intend to visit are strongly encouraged to make advanced ticket reservations here to avoid lines in Battery Park, NY or Liberty State Park, NJ.  Visitors are also asked to follow guidelines from the CDC and state and local authorities to reduce the spread of COVID-19.here
The hours of operations are 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. daily. 
New health measures include:
  • Reduced visitor capacity on ferries to the islands.
  • Social distancing floor markers and signs posted.
  • Rigorous and frequent disinfecting and sanitizing of public spaces and surfaces.
  • Hand sanitizing stations located in food service and visitor information areas.
  • Controlled, one-directional access and queuing lines for security screening, ferry, and museums
  • Signage directing visitor flow through the museums on Liberty and Ellis Islands.
  • Visitor experience staff members wearing face coverings.