New York ( CNN ) -- The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will undergo renovations totaling more than $ 27 million beginning in late October , according to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar . Liberty Island , where the iconic statue is located , will remain open during the yearlong project and views of Lady Liberty will remain largely unobstructed . `` Two years ago , when we reopened Lady Liberty 's crown to visitors for the first time since the September 11 attacks , I promised that we would continue to upgrade the interior to make it safer and more accessible for all , '' Salazar said Wednesday . `` With today 's announcement , we are taking a major step in bringing a 19th century icon into the 21st century . '' The National Park Service will keep the monument open to the public through the October 28 celebration of the 125th anniversary of the statue 's dedication . It will be closed the following day as work commences . The National Park Service awarded the work to Joseph A. Natoli Construction Corporation of Pine Brook , New Jersey , to install code-compliant stairways within the monument , refurbish mechanical , electrical and fire suppression systems , replace the elevators , and improve restrooms . The upgrades will also allow for increased visitor access to the monument , including the pedestal and the museum . Similar work will take place at facilities on Ellis Island , the entry point to the United States for millions of immigrants . The project will be funded through a combination of National Park Service appropriations and the park Concession Franchise Fee program . National Park Rangers will remain on site to provide tours of the grounds and history of the statue to visitors , said Jane Ahern , spokeswoman of the Statue of Liberty National Monument . Approximately 3.5 million people visit Liberty Island every year .
Yearlong upgrades to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island begin in late October . Liberty Island will remain open to the public . A gift from France , the Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28 , 1886 . The statue is a symbol for freedom and equality between all people.