More details on a new expanded museum at the Statue of Liberty have been revealed with the $70 million project slated to open in 2019.
It will measure more than 25,000 square feet and feature a grassy roof offering panoramic views across New York Harbor.
The current museum at the foot of the statue has restricted space due to security rules following 9/11 and only about 20% of the more than 4 million annual visitors are able to visit.
The new facility plans to give visitors a ‘multisensory experience’ to ‘reflect on the very notion of liberty.’
While continuing to be managed by the National Parks Service, the project is being funded by a private foundation with donations promised from a number of prominent New York figures.
Project funding is led by designer Diane von Furstenberg, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and former mayor Michael Bloomberg are among the backers.
Entry to the museum will be included in the price of the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
It will house a wide range of exhibits including the original torch while exterior landscaping and lighting is also planned.
