There’s something undeniably magical about a carousel, with its twinkling lights, old-fashioned music, and that little feeling of being a kid again.
And lucky for us, New York is home to one of the most beautiful historic carousels in America, where you can still hop on for just $3. Set against the Manhattan skyline in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel is a true NYC classic, combining nearly a century of history with one of the prettiest rides in the city.
The History
- 1922 Origins: The carousel was built by the famed Philadelphia Toboggan Company (designated as PTC No. 61). It features 48 exquisitely hand-carved wooden horses and two elaborate chariots, representing the golden age of American carousel carving.
- Rescued from Auction: For decades, it operated at Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. When the park closed in the 1980s following a devastating fire, local DUMBO developer David Walentas and his wife, Jane Walentas, purchased the entire carousel at auction in 1984 to save it from being dismantled and sold off piece-by-piece.
- A 27-Year Labor of Love: Jane Walentas spent over two decades in her Brooklyn studio painstaking restoring the carousel. Using an X-Acto knife to scrape away 62 years of accumulated “park paint,” she uncovered the original 1922 color palette, intricate pinstriping, and gold leafing, faithful down to the smallest detail.
- A Modern Jewel Box: In 2011, the restored marvel opened to the public inside a custom-designed, clear acrylic pavilion created by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Jean Nouvel.
The Location
Positioned in the Empire Fulton Ferry section of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel occupies prime real estate along the DUMBO waterfront.
Framed directly between the towering arches of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, riders enjoy 360-degree views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and Wall Street across the river. By day, sunlight reflects off the water into the clear pavilion; by night, the carousel glows like a jewel box with 1,200 twinkling lights reflecting off the river.
What to Know Before You Go
- Admission & Tickets: Tickets are $3 per ride. Children under 42 inches tall ride for free with a paying adult companion.
- Year-Round Access: Thanks to Jean Nouvel’s climate-controlled glass enclosure, the carousel remains open year-round. Glass doors fold open on warm summer days, while heat keeps visitors cozy during winter months.
- Operating Hours: Schedule shifts seasonally. During peak summer, it typically operates six days a week (closed Tuesdays). Fall and winter schedules run Thursday through Sunday; always check their official website before heading out.
- Best Time to Visit: Head there during golden hour just before sunset. Watching the sun dip behind the Manhattan skyline while riding a century-old carved horse is one of the best budget-friendly experiences in New York City.
- Getting There: Take the F train to York Street or the A/C trains to High Street. Alternatively, arrive by water via the NYC Ferry (DUMBO landing) or take a scenic stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.