<div>Statue of Liberty will be closed for renovation for a year starting in October</div>

New York - One of the symbols of New York, the Statue of Liberty, will be closed by American authorities for a year starting in October. The reason is renovation that aims to increase safety inside the building and make the monument more accessible to visitors. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the construction work, which has a budget of $27.25 million (465 million crowns), on Wednesday.
      The management of the Statue of Liberty monument wants to keep it operational until October 28, and the following day the famous New York symbol will be closed. People will still be able to visit Liberty Island, where the statue stands.
      According to New York authorities, the nearly hundred-meter tall monument will undergo repairs to the fire protection system, elevators, and restrooms.
      The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous American monuments; it attracts more than five million tourists every year. The monument was a gift from France to the United States to celebrate the centenary of its founding. The statue was officially unveiled in 1886.
      It represents a woman draped in ancient robes, wearing a spiked crown. At her feet lie broken chains, and she holds a torch in one hand. In the other hand, she holds a book inscribed with the date of the proclamation of U.S. independence - July 4, 1776.
      The statue itself is 46 meters tall, and together with its 47-meter pedestal, the tip of the torch reaches a height of 93 meters above the ground.