Lady Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants to the American shore for more than a century. She also draws in tourists, who want to get to know her personally. In the old days, you could actually go up to her torch and look at all of NYC and what the statue is like from above. It was a spectacular view, as seen here. But then, there was an edict: The balcony that used to hold the crowds was deemed dangerous in 1916.
We will likely never get to see what others once loved. Maybe one day, there will be a change to policy. But for now, we will just have to imagine the experience from the ground. It's still pretty magnificent!