Designs unveiled for new £57 million Statue of Liberty Museum

Designs for a new 2,400m² museum dedicated to New York’s Statue of Liberty have been unveiled.

The new museum will be based on Liberty Island in New York Harbour, and is a $70 million (£57 million) project which aims to give the statue’s visitors a chance to learn about its history.

Aims to be “sustainable”

The new Statue of Liberty Museum has been designed by architectural practice FxFowle, and exhibitions will be designed by consultancy ESI Design.

The Foundation and National Park Service (NPS), which previously restored the Statue of Liberty, are behind the new museum, and are currently looking to fundraise $100 million (£81 million) towards the project.

The building aims to demonstrate “sustainability” and will feature a grass roof and glass exteriors which are “bird-safe”, says the NPS.

Virtual and interactive exhibition space

The interior and exterior spaces will be built with materials “native to Liberty Island”, and materials previously used to build the Statue of Liberty, including Stony Creek granite, bronze, plaster and native plants.

Exhibitions will focus on the history of Lady Liberty, the statue’s original design and construction, its 1986 centennial restoration.

One exhibit will provide visitors with a virtual walk through inside the monument itself, alongside an overview of its story.

Historical artefacts

They will then be able to look at historical artefacts, alongside interactive media and activities.

Edwin Schlossberg, president and principal designer at ESI Design, says: “Our goal is for visitors to take away a richer picture of what the Statue of Liberty has meant to people throughout her history – not only in this nation but around the world.”

The museum is expected to open in 2019. Entry will be free, with purchase of a ferry ticket to visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island.