Jane's Carousel

What to know

Jane's Carousel is a historic masterpiece originally built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It first served visitors at Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, before being rescued from auction in 1984 by Jane and David Walentas. After decades of meticulous refurbishment, the carousel finally opened at its current Brooklyn location on September 16, 2011. The attraction is renowned for its 48 carved wooden horses that prance in a circle. Its historical significance is officially recognized, as it became the first carousel ever listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 6, 1975. To protect the vintage woodwork from the elements, the carousel is encased in a modern glass pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. This transparent cube features retractable doors, allowing the ride to operate year-round while maintaining panoramic views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Located at New Dock Street and Main Street, the site blends early 20th-century craftsmanship with 21st-century architecture. The pavilion ensures that the experience remains accessible and weather-proof, providing a serene waterfront escape beneath the towering spans of the nearby bridges.

Visitor tips

• Tickets are $4, though one adult and one child under 42 inches may share a single ticket.
• Check the seasonal schedule; the carousel is closed on Tuesdays during the summer and closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the spring.
• The site is wheelchair accessible, making it an easy stop for all mobility levels.
• Visit during the evening to see the glass pavilion illuminated against the city skyline.

Nearby context

The carousel is a centerpiece of Brooklyn Bridge Park, situated on a bluff overlooking the East River. It sits beneath the massive architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting the park's greenery with the industrial history of the New Dock Street area.