The New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, is perfect for kids and adults both. The museum gives a history of the carousel with vintage horses (and other animals) on display, but the fanciful figures will delight the younger set. There is even a small carousel that kids can ride.
The museum’s collection includes pieces dating from as early as the 19th century. From ornate horses adorned in gold leaf to simpler ones found at county fairs, the whole spectrum of horses is here. The bulk of the collection on display is in the main room which is chock full of carousel horses and other animals. Smaller rooms showcase pieces under restoration or other carousel-themed items.
The New England Carousel Museum’s actual carousel is on a smaller scale but is still a lot of fun for kids. Listen to the self-playing piano while on the ride. The museum is a popular place for events such as children’s birthday parties. My kids enjoyed looking at the antique collection, but of course, were most excited about the actual merry-go-round.
More Than Just Carousels
The visitor to the carousel museum gets much more than just admission to one museum. Under the same roof is also a Greek Culture museum and a Museum of Firefighting as well. Upstairs is a bit of a mish-mash of memorabilia. The largest part of this old presumed warehouse/factory building’s upstairs is used for bigger than birthday party events. This means weddings and such. It is easy to picture a gala of some sort taking place here.
Upon walking upstairs, the first collection scenes are small-scale carousels, some of which move. The kids were very tempted to play with them! Also here are horses in the midst of renovation and repair.
The room housing the Museum of Greek Culture actually looks as if you are stepping into a Greek temple! Not a fan-favorite with the kids, it was a quick peek in and out, but it includes a collection of replica artifacts. The room is impressively styled.
In the far part of the museum is the Museum of Firefighting. This collection includes antique firefighting apparatus as well as a collection of helmets. There is memorabilia from near and far with informational blurbs to guide the visitor.
If you go
Make a day in Bristol along with your visit to the New England Carousel Museum. With breweries, parks, and other attractions, enjoy an afternoon in Bristol. And if you want to find out the behind-the-scenes look at this road trip, check out this article.
