Ticket sales to the crown of the statue of Liberty re-opened on Saturday allowing visitors to make telephone and internet reservations.

Starting July 4, a limited number of people will once again be able to view the New York skyline from the top of its harbor when the Statue of Liberty's crown reopens. The crown was closed after 9/11 for safety and security reasons.

“The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the hope, freedom, and opportunity that America represents to the world,” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said in a news release. “I am delighted to announce that the public will soon be able to plan their trip to the storied crown of the Statue of Liberty once again.”

Only 10 people will be allowed to climb to the crown at one time. To reach the crown, visitors must climb a 168-step, double-helix spiral staircase.

Some 50,000 visitors are expected to make the 168-step climb to the crown before it closes again in two years for permanent safety renovations.

The National Park Service will limit the ascent to groups of 10 at a time, guided by a park ranger. Three trips are planned each hour, for a total of 240 a day.

The crown reservations may be made through the park's ferry concession, Statue Cruises, at www.statuecruises.com or by phone at 877-LADY-TIX (877-523-9849).

Visitors may reserve crown tickets up to one year in advance prior to visit.

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