Drizzle and grey skies on the menu for a third day that looks gloomy and doesn’t really make you want to walk for miles. So we took the subway to Battery Park for a closer look at the Statue of Liberty.
We pass through security and board the first available ferry. In the distance, Liberty Island can be seen through the fog.
On a clear day, the ferry crossing offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, Governor’s Island and the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance.
Famous today as the home of the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island is a small natural island of 5.9 hectares located in New York Bay, close to Manhattan. Formerly the territory of the Lenape people, it was long known for its oyster beds before being renamed Bedloe’s Island in the 17th century in honor of a Dutch merchant.
In the 18th century, the island played a strategic military role with the construction of Fort Wood, whose star-shaped base now serves as the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. In 1877, Bedloe’s Island was chosen to host this monumental work of art, donated by France and inaugurated in 1886, becoming a universal symbol of freedom and hope. By the end of the 19th century, it had left its mark on the imaginations of millions of immigrants, who saw in the statue a beacon announcing a new life.
In 1956, it was officially renamed Liberty Island and, in 1984, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the island, with its museum opening in 2019, welcomes millions of visitors every year to explore this historic icon and enjoy breathtaking views of the New York skyline.
➜ The standard ticket includes round-trip ferry travel with an optional stop at Ellis Island,access to Liberty Island for a stroll around the statue, andentry to the interactive museum tracing its history, featuring original models, the old torch and multimedia exhibits. Optional access to the pedestal for a panoramic view, or a climb up the 354 steps leading to the crown, is available by prior arrangement and requires booking several weeks in advance.
➜ Located near Liberty Island, Ellis Island was the main gateway for over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954. Today, the
Good to Know
▪ Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
▪ Ferry frequency: Departures every 20-30 minutes
▪ Standard ticket price: $25 for adults, $16 for children (4-12 years
▪ Included in ticket price: Access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island – Optional access to statue pedestal and crown.
Back in Battery Park, we walk to Skylight on Vesey, in Lower Manhattan, near Brookfield Place and the Oculus. The misty weather envelops the towers, creating a peculiar, almost unreal atmosphere.
On the way, we pass the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The commemorative fountains, lined with engraved names, and poignant exhibits invite you to reflect and pay powerful tribute to this tragic event.
Arrive at Skylight on Vesey, home to the exhibition“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” in its 2,800 square meters of column-free space with 12-meter-high ceilings, offering the ideal setting for a unique artistic immersion.
The exhibition plunges visitors into Van Gogh’s world through spectacular 360° projections, offering a unique sensory experience. Visitors can discover his iconic works in a new light, such as “The Sunflowers” and “Starry Night”, while exploring the evolution of his art. In addition to screenings, creative workshops allow visitors to get involved and immerse themselves even further in his world.
➜ The exhibition, although currently finished in New York, continues to travel across other major cities in the U.S. and even Europe, such as Liège and Lille. Check out their site for more info on this experience that allows you to rediscover Van Gogh’s art in an innovative and immersive way.
After a quick lunch at Brookfield Place, with its many nice options for eating and its beautiful view of the marina, we head to the Westfield World Trade Center to take the subway again. Along the way, the iconic silhouette of theOculus catches the eye. This impressive structure, imagined by architect Santiago Calatrava, immediately catches the eye with its futuristic design. Its white wings soar skywards, symbolizing a dove in flight.
Built to replace the station destroyed in the attacks of September 11, 2001, this building is part of the reconstruction project for the World Trade Center complex. Inaugurated in 2016, it is more than just a transit station: it embodies New York’s resilience and rebirth, a true symbol of hope. Inside, the space is vast and luminous, thanks to an immense glass roof that lets in natural light. The Oculus houses a station serving several subway and train lines, as well as a large shopping mall with a variety of boutiques and restaurants, perfect for a break or a bit of shopping.
Change of atmosphere with a stop at the Harry Potter Store, located a few steps from the Flatiron Building, between Broadway and 5th Avenue. This two-storey, 1,800 m² store is entirely dedicated to the magical world of wizards. Opening in 2021, it is the world’s largest franchise merchandise store. More than just a store, it offers a truly immersive experience, with 15 themed rooms and seasonal installations that plunge visitors directly into the Harry Potter universe.
Although not quite as impressive as the visit to Harry Potter Studios in London ( reviewed here), it’s still a must for any Hogwarts fan. And don’t miss Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, the perfect way to immerse yourself in this magical world.
Good to Know
- The Harry Potter Store is located at 935 Broadway.
- The store is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 9pm, and Sunday, 9am to 7pm.
We close the day with another immersive experience, Arcadia Earth. After three years in New York, Arcadia Earth has moved to Toronto, but the concept remains true to the original. The exhibition continues to offer an immersive experience, blending art, technology and education to raise awareness of environmental issues. Interactive installations and augmented reality projections allow visitors to immerse themselves in a world where each room invites reflection on important themes such as nature protection, climate change and sustainability.
After more than an hour thinking about ecological issues, we hop back on the subway, exhausted but inspired… We head back to the hotel for a well-deserved night’s sleep, to regain our strength for another day of adventures in New York 🙂
