Carousel

Carousel
Name	Carousel
Caption	A traditional carousel at Coney Island
Invented	18th century
Inventor	Various
Location	Global

Carousel is a rotating amusement ride featuring a circular platform with seats often shaped like animals, vehicles, or seats that move up and down, powered by electric or steam-driven mechanisms. Originating from training devices and fairground attractions, the ride spread across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania through traveling shows, permanent parks, and exposition displays. Iconic examples are found at historic sites such as Coney Island, Luna Park (Brooklyn), and the Palace of Fine Arts.

History

Early antecedents include medieval jousting practices and Ottoman equestrian traditions showcased at Renaissance fairs and royal tournaments. Training devices in Napoleonic Wars Europe influenced carousel mechanics later refined during the Industrial Revolution in cities like London, Paris, and Vienna. The modern fairground carousel emerged in 18th- and 19th-century France and England, spread by artisans connected to Great Exhibition of 1851 and World's Columbian Exposition. American developments accelerated with traveling showmen affiliated with firms such as Massey and operators like Sea Lion Park pioneers, later consolidated by companies such as C.W. Parker and Philadelphia Toboggan Company that supplied parks including Coney Island and Luna Park (Coney Island). Technological milestones are linked to inventors and firms showcased at events like the Pan-American Exposition and institutions including Smithsonian Institution collections.

Design and Operation

Mechanical design draws from rotating platforms used in carousel (military training) analogues and powered turntables first seen in railroad yards and theatrical stages at venues such as Royal Opera House. Drive systems evolved from steam engines adopted in Victorian England to electric motors influenced by developments at General Electric and Westinghouse Electric. Structural elements reference woodworking traditions practiced by artisans associated with guilds in Florence, Nuremberg, and Brussels; sculptors and carvers who worked for firms tied to the Arts and Crafts Movement and artists linked to Gustav Klimt-era workshops contributed to ornamentation. Control systems integrate components standardized by organizations like International Electrotechnical Commission while lighting schemes reflect theatrical innovations from venues such as Moulin Rouge and Ziegfeld Follies.

Types and Variations

Variants include horseback carousels inspired by equestrian tableaux seen in Royal Ascot and Epsom Derby, menagerie carousels echoing collections in institutions like the London Zoo and Smithsonian National Zoo, and modern themed platforms found at parks operated by Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios. Notable mechanical types comprise stationary-platform models present in Prater (Vienna), double-decker machines exemplified by attractions at Luna Park (Sydney), and portable units used by traveling circuses such as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Artistic styles range from Rococo ornamentation popular in Versailles-influenced designs to Art Nouveau motifs seen in works collected by Musée d'Orsay and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Cultural Impact and Uses

The ride appears in literature such as works by Charles Dickens, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Stephen King, and in films by directors like Alfred Hitchcock, Wes Anderson, and Federico Fellini. Musicians from groups associated with Motown Records, Atlantic Records, and Columbia Records reference carousels in recordings preserved by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame archives. The attraction features in visual arts exhibited at Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern, and Centre Pompidou and figures in photography portfolios by artists linked to Magnum Photos. Carousels serve civic and commemorative roles in parades for events like Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and festivals organized by Smithsonian Folklife Festival and regional cultural institutions.

Safety and Regulations

Regulatory frameworks are enforced by agencies such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration, European Committee for Standardization, and provincial bodies in Ontario and Quebec. Standards developed by organizations like American Society for Testing and Materials and Underwriters Laboratories specify material testing, electrical safety, and structural integrity. Inspection regimes mirror practices used for inspections at airports and railway stations with protocols similar to those from National Transportation Safety Board incident analyses. Liability and insurance matters involve firms and legal precedents from cases heard in courts such as United States Court of Appeals and tribunals influenced by statutes enacted in legislatures like the United Kingdom Parliament.

Notable Carousels and Locations

Historic and influential examples include installations at Coney Island, Luna Park (Brooklyn), Central Park, Palace of Fine Arts, Santa Monica Pier, Navy Pier, Prater (Vienna), Luna Park (Sydney), Brighton Pier, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Tivoli Gardens, Europa-Park, Efteling, Hersheypark, Petrified Forest National Park displays, and venues hosted by institutions like Smithsonian Institution and National Mall exhibitions. Preservation efforts involve organizations such as National Carousel Association, partnerships with museums like Please Touch Museum and restoration projects funded by foundations including National Endowment for the Arts.

Category:Amusement rides