Name: Jane's Carousel
Address: 1 Old, Dock St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Telephone: (718) 222-2502
Rating: 4.7

Restored 1922 carousel set in Brooklyn Bridge Park with the bridge & Manhattan skyline views.

Central Park

Provided by Google

Times Square

Rockefeller Center

Statue of Liberty

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jane's Carousel was originally built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.

Vintage Creation

The carousel features 48 intricately carved wooden horses and two chariots.

Horse Count

Jane Walentas painstakingly restored the carousel over nearly 30 years, earning it the name Jane's Carousel.

Restoration Angel

The carousel is housed in a modern glass pavilion designed by architect Jean Nouvel, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Protective Pavilion

Jane's Carousel is a centerpiece of Brooklyn Bridge Park, a revitalized waterfront area.

Waterfront Location

Jane's Carousel is also known as Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) #61, referencing its manufacturer and production number.

Carousel Number

Jane's Carousel

Jane's Carousel, a meticulously restored 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel, anchors a prominent position within Brooklyn Bridge Park. Its glass pavilion, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, offers a striking juxtaposition of historical artistry and modern architectural sensibility. The carousel features 48 intricately carved horses, two chariots, and over 1,200 lights, all brought back to their original splendor through a painstaking restoration process. What sets Jane's Carousel apart is not just its age or beauty, but the dedication to preserving its original character. Each horse was stripped of layers of paint, revealing the original artistry and vibrant colors intended by the original creators. The pavilion itself acts as a jewel box, showcasing the carousel as a work of art, while also protecting it from the elements. The carousel's presence transforms the waterfront, offering a nostalgic experience against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.

Introduction

Jane's Carousel, a meticulously restored 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel, stands as a vibrant testament to the Folk Art Revival's dedication to preserving and celebrating traditional craftsmanship. Its significance within this movement lies not only in its survival but in its careful resurrection, embodying the revival's core tenets of honoring vernacular art forms. The carousel's horses, each hand-carved and uniquely adorned, represent a tangible link to a bygone era of American folk artistry, an era the revival sought to reclaim from obscurity.

The Folk Art Revival, with its emphasis on authenticity and the handmade, finds a powerful symbol in Jane's Carousel. Its journey from near-disrepair to its current splendor mirrors the revival's broader mission of rescuing and recontextualizing overlooked artistic traditions. The painstaking restoration process, prioritizing original materials and techniques, reflects a deep respect for the original artisans' skills and vision, a hallmark of the revival's ethos.

Furthermore, the carousel's prominent placement within a modern architectural structure designed by Jean Nouvel creates a compelling dialogue between past and present. This juxtaposition highlights the Folk Art Revival's aim not merely to replicate the past but to integrate it meaningfully into contemporary life, ensuring the continued relevance and appreciation of folk traditions. The carousel's enduring appeal, drawing visitors from all walks of life, demonstrates the revival's success in fostering a renewed connection with America's rich artistic heritage.

Folk Art Revival

Jane's Carousel stands as a testament to preservation through art, rescued and revitalized by Jane and David Walentas. Originally crafted in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the carousel faced potential fragmentation and loss before its acquisition. The Walentases' commitment extended beyond mere restoration; it was a meticulous artistic endeavor. Each of the carousel's 48 horses and two chariots underwent careful stripping, repair, and repainting, adhering to historical accuracy while subtly enhancing their original charm. This painstaking process ensured the survival of the carousel's artistic integrity for future generations.

The decision to house the carousel within a transparent pavilion, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, further exemplifies preservation through art. The pavilion not only protects the antique carousel from the elements but also frames it as a captivating art piece within the Brooklyn Bridge Park landscape. The structure's reflective surfaces interact with the carousel's vibrant colors and the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic visual experience that elevates the carousel's status from a mere amusement ride to a celebrated work of art. This architectural intervention ensures the carousel's continued existence while enhancing its aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, demonstrating a holistic approach to preservation through artistic expression. The carousel's location, carefully chosen, integrates it into the public space, making art accessible and engaging for all.

Jane's Carousel

Did You Know?

Vintage Creation

Horse Count

Restoration Angel

Protective Pavilion

Highlights from Reviews

Location