The Statue of Liberty is Closing This Week Amid Government Shutdown, Gov. Kathy Hochul Says

The Statue of Liberty , one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, may be temporarily closed this week due to the ongoing [federal government shutdown](https://secretnyc.co/federal-government-shutdowns-october-2025/) . Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed the potential closure in a press conference on Wednesday, emphasizing that the state will not provide funding to keep the monument open during the shutdown . The closure could also affect nearby Ellis Island , where National Park Service staff work. This decision is a departure from previous shutdowns, when former Gov. Andrew Cuomo used state funds to keep Lady Liberty’s torch burning. During the 2013 and 2018 shutdowns, keeping the statue and Ellis Island open cost roughly $1.5 million, or about $65,000 a day. Visitors planning trips to Liberty Island should note that tours, ferry access, and the museum may be suspended until federal operations resume . And while officials have not provided a confirmed reopening date, visitors hoping to see the statue this week may need to adjust their plans and double check their itineraries before heading on their journey. Stay tuned for more information on the Statue of Liberty’s operational status as we continue to update this story. For a broader look at how the government shutdown is affecting NYC, check out our full guide here. Source: https://secretnyc.co/statue-of-the-liberty-is-closing-for-government-shutdown/