A limited number of visitors – 30 an hour – will be allowed to ascend a narrow spiral staircase within the body of the 46m (151ft) high structure, and look out on the Manhattan skyline from the eyes of the statue. Access to the area was shut off after the attacks.
The decision to reopen the crown to the public was announced in May, with the necessary work scheduled to finish in time for this year's celebrations of July 4. The base of the statue, as well as the huge pedestal and observation deck, reopened to the public in 2004, but the crown has remained closed until now.
Visitors to the top of the statue are accompanied by a park ranger and need to book well in advance.
Tickets for the ascent remain available for dates in autumn. Entrance to the crown costs $3, in addition to the $12 admission charge to Liberty and Ellis Islands. You can book online at statuecruises.com.