The top of the Statue of Liberty’s torch has remained closed to the public since 1916, but thanks to live-stream cameras, people are just now seeing the view from it. The torch was originally open for visitors, offering a unique panoramic perspective of New York Harbor, but it was permanently closed after the Black Tom explosion, a German sabotage attack that damaged the statue’s arm.
While visitors can still climb up to the crown, only National Park Service staff are allowed inside the torch to maintain its floodlights. However, the National Parks Service has set up EarthCam cameras that allow people to see the torch’s view in real time, sparking renewed interest in this hidden perspective of the statue.
Many online users were surprised by the images, with one person commenting, “Wow… first time I’m seeing this view,” and another adding, “Fascinating history for real.” Others expressed disappointment that the torch remains closed, with one person asking, “Why won’t they reopen it?”
Despite public curiosity, there are no plans to allow visitors back into the torch due to safety concerns. For now, the only way to experience the view from the top of Lady Liberty is through the live-stream footage.
