The Statue of Liberty will be closed for security upgrades starting about a year from now, depriving tourists of a chance to visit the crown, base and pedestal for up to 12 months.

Visitors will still be able to visit the park surrounding the statue on Liberty Island, but the security upgrade will restrict access to the statue around its 125th anniversary, Oct. 12, 2011.

The $26 million dollar project will add fireproof staircases, elevators and exits, said David Luchsinger, superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

The only current exit from the top of the 22-story observation deck is one narrow staircase.

More than 5 million people visit the landmark every year, with 20,000 tourists a day flocking to the site during the summer.