Statue of Liberty torch open to public in new museum: photos

The Statue of Liberty's original torch was damaged in an explosion in 1916 and replaced with a replica in 1985. The torch recently secured a permanent home at the brand new Statue of Liberty Museum, which opens to the public on May 16. The designing of the museum generated questions about the definition of liberty in the Trump era. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.The Statue of Liberty has been missing its original torch for 35 years. In its place stands a gold-plated replica that's 400 pounds heavier and illuminated by floodlights in the evening.The old version, a 3,600-pound copper flame built in the late 19th century, was damaged in an explosion in 1916. For a time, the dented object stood in place while undergoing a series of renovations. But in 1984, it was taken down and sent on a worldwide tour before landing in a tiny museum in the statue's pedestal. Read more: Secrets of the Statue of LibertyNow, the torch is on full display at the $100 million Statue of Liberty Museum, which opens to the public on May 16. We got a sneak peak at the massive object, which had to be taken apart and re-assembled to be transported to the new building.Take a look at the torch's long journey from construction until now.