Statue of Liberty–Ellis Island Foundation

Creative Services
Self-Guided Tours and Experiences
Hardware & Platforms
Hybe
Accessibility
Site Operations
Financial Models
Since January 2018, Acoustiguide has been the exclusive audio tour provider for the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, providing equipment, content, and staffing services for its two premiere attractions: Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Museum, and Ellis Island. Self-guided tours are available for adults and younger visitors in 12 languages as well as American Sign Language and Audio Described formats, providing a rich and engaging interpretive experience to all visitors.
The Challenge
Acoustiguide developed a turnkey solution that includes creative content, equipment, staffing and guest services, and dedicated technical support. Working closely with the National Park Service and the Foundation, we created experiences specifically suited to each site’s unique character and mission.
The Solution
Acoustiguide developed a turnkey solution that includes creative content, equipment, staffing and guest services, and dedicated technical support. Working closely with the National Park Service and the Foundation, we created experiences specifically suited to each site’s unique character and mission.
Statue of Liberty Experience
A friendly, approachable tour that brings life to one of the world’s most famous landmarks. The experience highlights the unique vantage point of Liberty Island while exploring fundamental concepts of liberty and democracy that resonate with visitors from around the globe.
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
An immersive audio environment telling the moving story of 12 million immigrants who entered America through Ellis Island. The audio guide also takes visitors through the experience of immigrants in their homelands, the journey to America, the challenges and triumphs of life here, and the history of American immigration policy.
Pioneering Accessibility
Creating an equitable and broadly accessible experience for all visitors has been a priority for the Foundation since the inception of our collaboration. Acoustiguide’s decades of experience in improving accessibility at visitor sites made us the ideal partner to truly reimagine what was possible for this iconic site. Together, we’ve moved beyond traditional accessibility measures to pioneer new approaches, tackling complex challenges and developing innovative solutions that are redefining accessibility standards for cultural and historic sites.
We know that no two institutions are the same, so our approach considers the relevant elements of the physical space, available hardware and software solutions, site resources (and limitations), and project goals to determine the best solution. That might look like retrofitting hardware, leveraging elements of the existing infrastructure, or creating a solution from the ground up. Our broad fleet of devices with varied capabilities means we can offer many options, so we’ll explore a range of solutions that can address a specific problem area or can improve accessibility holistically throughout a site.
Equipment and Staffing
Acoustiguide is proud to provide an inclusive distribution service to all visitors to Liberty and Ellis Islands and are launching our updated experiences on the Orpheo Hybe multimedia device. The player’s ease-of-use and straightforward design are well-suited to the site’s broad audience and high-traffic operation. Player inventory varies seasonally, with an average of 7,000 players in use between the sites.
Key Outcomes
- Seamless operation serving millions of annual visitors across two premier sites
- Industry-leading accessibility that sets new standards for historic sites
- Comprehensive content honoring sensitive immigration narratives
- Turnkey staffing and technical support reducing operational burden
Why This Matters
This partnership demonstrates Acoustiguide’s ability to function as a true operational extension of our clients. We tailored every aspect of the experience—content, accessibility, equipment, and staffing—to the unique needs of two iconic national landmarks. By providing comprehensive services from content creation to daily operations, we eliminated operational burden for the Foundation, allowing them to focus on their mission while we manage the complexities of serving millions of visitors annually.
Our accessibility work here also represents what we believe is the future of inclusive interpretation. We know every cultural site wants to thoughtfully serve each visitor’s needs but many struggle with where to start, or think that solutions are too expensive, too complex, or too resource-intensive. With the right partner, accessibility solutions are achievable for sites of any size. Acoustiguide brings the expertise and actionable approaches that transform accessibility from aspiration to reality.
