Restored 1922 carousel set in Brooklyn Bridge Park with the bridge & Manhattan skyline views. Take the kids or go for a ride yourself on a beautiful, antique carousel. Built-in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the carousel was lovingly restored and donated to the park by Jane and David Walentas. Located in the Empire Fulton Ferry section of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel is housed in a gorgeous glass pavilion, designed by Pritzker-prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn Bridge Park in the vibrant DUMBO neighborhood of New York, Jane’s Carousel stands as a timeless gem, originally crafted in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.
This intricately carved wooden merry-go-round, featuring 48 hand-painted horses and two chariots sculpted by master artisans John Zalar and Frank Carretta, once delighted visitors at Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, until the park’s closure in 1984. Rescued at auction by real estate developer David Walentas and his wife Jane, a former art director, the carousel embarked on a remarkable journey of restoration, symbolizing their deep commitment to preserving American folk art amid the city’s evolving skyline.
Housed within a stunning weatherproof pavilion designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the structure’s sleek glass walls and steel frame create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, especially as the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges cast their iconic silhouettes nearby. After years of meticulous work, it reopened in 2011, rechristened in honor of Jane Walentas, and quickly became a beloved fixture in the park, offering year-round joy just steps from the East River’s gentle flow. The pavilion’s hourly light show projects enchanting horse shadows onto the walls, turning dusk into a magical spectacle that draws families and romantics alike, blending historical charm with modern elegance.
Today, a ride on Jane’s Carousel costs just a few dollars, evoking the simple pleasures of bygone eras while providing a serene escape from New York’s bustling energy. Surrounded by the park’s lush lawns, piers, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, it serves as more than entertainment—it’s a cultural touchstone that invites riders of all ages to pause, spin, and reconnect with wonder. Whether chasing the golden hues of sunset or the sparkle of city lights, this carousel reminds us that in the rush of urban life, moments of whimsical delight are always within reach.
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