Jane’s Carousel is a historic and beloved attraction located in Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO. With a stunning backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline that is popular with children and adults alike, it is a popular attraction that is popular with children and adults alike.
Built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, the carousel which is now in DUMBO features 48 beautifully carved horses and two chariots, all of which have been meticulously restored to their original glory.
The carousel was actually renamed Jane’s Carousel after it was purchased by Jane and David Walentas and donated to the city of New York in 2011. I love to visit DUMBO for all that it has to offer, especially a chance to see Jane’s Carousel.
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Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel is a classic antique carousel that is a beautifully restored machine with 48 exquisitely carved horses and two superb chariots. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, it is open year-round, though it has a reduced schedule in the winters.
The carousel is a classic 3-row machine with a diameter of 50 feet. The carved horses are the showstoppers of Jane’s Carousel. Each horse is unique and carved from basswood, and decorated with intricate details such as flowing manes and tails, expressive eyes, and colorful saddles.
The carousel is powered by a motor that turns the carousel at a speed of about 3 revolutions per minute. The horses and chariots move up and down as the carousel turns, and is popular with kids and adults of all ages!
History
Jane’s Carousel has a rich history that dates back to 1922 when it was created by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) during the heyday of American carousels. Designated as PTC. No. 61, it was originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, a prosperous steel-making city. The carousel features 48 hand-carved horses and two chariots, all made of wood. The carousel was carved by John Zalar, a Slovenian immigrant who was known for his intricate and detailed carvings, and Frank Carretta, whose carvings include horses and other decorative elements.
After operating for several decades in Ohio, the carousel fell into disrepair and was eventually put up for auction in 1984. As it so happened, David Walentas, the developer of the Empire Fulton Ferry State Park had included a carousel in his Master Plan for Brooklyn Bridge Park in 1983, which led Jane and David Walentas to buy the entire carousel, which was not in very good condition, in 1984.
Jane Walentas is the person behind the restoration of the carousel, which included scraping away all the paint that was added over the years to the original color palette and carvings on both the horses and the carousel, all of which were restored to their original glory through a painstaking process. The restoration process was extensive, with each horse being taken apart and restored by hand.
The Walentases commissioned French architect Jean Nouvel to design a pavilion to house the carousel. Today, it is housed in a stunning glass pavilion that was built to protect the carousel from the elements while also providing visitors with unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The carousel, which was lovingly restored over a period of 22 years, was donated to the park by Jane and David Walentas, and opened to the public on September 16, 2011. It has quickly grown to become a beloved landmark in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Location
Jane’s Carousel is located in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn Bridge Park, on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. It is easily accessible by subway, car, ferry, or on foot.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront park stretching 1.3 miles along the East River in Brooklyn. It offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. The park features many amenities, including playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking and biking paths. Jane’s Carousel is located in the southern section of the park, near the Fulton Ferry Landing.
Year-Round Hours
Jane’s Carousel is open year-round, though it is only open on weekends in the winter.
During the summer months, from May 15th to September 10th, the carousel is open six days a week, and is closed on Tuesdays.
In the winter months, from September 11th to May 12th, the carousel is only open on weekends.
The current hours are available on Jane’s Carousel’s Website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Jane’s Carousel?
Jane’s Carousel is named after Jane Walentas. The carousel was purchased by Jane and David Walentas in 1984, and Jane spent 22 years restoring it to its original glory by hand before it was donated to Brooklyn Bridge Park when it opened in 2011.
What is the history of Jane’s Carousel?
Jane’s Carousel was built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and operated in Youngstown, Ohio until 1984. It was then purchased by Jane and David Walentas, who spent over 20 years restoring it to its original beauty. In 2011, the carousel was installed in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Where is Jane’s Carousel located?
Jane’s Carousel is located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, at the intersection of Dock Street and Water Street in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).
What are the hours of operation for Jane’s Carousel?
Jane’s Carousel is open year-round, though there is a reduced schedule over the weekends only in the winter.
Is there an admission fee for Jane’s Carousel?
Yes, there is a fee of $2 per ride for children under 42 inches tall and $4 per ride for adults and children over 42 inches tall.
Can you ride Jane’s Carousel in the rain?
Yes, Jane’s Carousel is enclosed in a glass pavilion and can be enjoyed rain or shine.
Are there any special events held at Jane’s Carousel?
Yes, Jane’s Carousel hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, birthday parties, and more. Birthday parties can be held during the hours that the carousel is open, while private events are hosted on days and hours that it is closed to the public.
What is the address for Jane’s Carousel?
The address for Jane’s Carousel is 45 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
What are the public transportation options for Jane’s Carousel?
Jane’s Carousel is easily accessible by subway, bus, and ferry. The closest subway stations are the F train at York Street and the A/C trains at High Street. Several bus lines also run nearby, and the East River Ferry stops at the park’s Pier 1.
What is the Carousel by Brooklyn Bridge?
Jane’s Carousel is the Carousel by Brooklyn Bridge, located in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Can you plan a wedding at Jane’s Carousel?
Yes, Jane’s Carousel can be rented for private events, including weddings.
How can you organize a birthday party at Jane’s Carousel?
Jane’s Carousel offers birthday party packages for up to 45 people during its regular hours of operation.
Is Jane’s Carousel Brooklyn based?
Yes, Jane’s Carousel is located in Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, New York.
Where did Janes Carousel come from?
Janes Carousel was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1922, and originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio.
Is there an age limit for Janes Carousel?
Janes Carousel is a ride for all ages. Little children can be accompanied by adults.
