Step Back in Time and take a spin with Carousel Wishes and Dreams at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis on National Carousel Day - July 25, 2024. The 107-years-old Dentzel carousel features horses, goats, giraffe, tigers and more.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- There is something about a carousel that resurrects fond childhood memories and carefree moments. They are a symbol of simpler times and joy, making them feel magical to many. That is probably why so many people love to saddle up under the stars on animals that have been around for more than 100 years. Discover the Magic at Carousel Wishes and Dreams: A Timeless Exhibit for All Ages at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. 

It all started back in 1900, when German immigrant Gustav Dentzel carved the wondrous animals, but it wasn't until 1917 that the animals found a permanent home in the form of a carousel made by William F. Mangels Co. The Carousel was then moved to the Broad Ripple Amusement Park in Broad Ripple Village of Indiana (just north of Indianapolis). It has been 107 years since it was first built.

The grand opening of the Carousel Wishes and Dreams exhibit at The Children's Museum took place in the winter of 2000. This permanent, whimsical exhibit, designed to captivate visitors of all ages, perfectly aligns with the museum's mission to ignite joy, wonder, and curiosity by creating powerful memories and experiences for children and adults.

At the heart of the museum, on Level 4, lies one of its greatest treasures. The main mechanism was carefully lowered through the roof in 1975. Ever since, young and old alike have been mesmerized by the carousel's starry lit sky and surroundings, brought to life with fiber-optic lighting and a restored holiday-window display from a historic downtown Indianapolis department store.

Visitors can navigate a mirror maze that incorporates carnival mirrors, helping young guests develop problem-solving and directional skills while having a blast. Hidden nooks and crannies throughout the exhibit reveal delightful activities and artifacts for all ages. The exhibit also boasts a puzzles and games area designed to enhance thinking skills and encourage cooperative play. Other highlights include:

•     A tree house adventure
•     A walk-in kaleidoscope that surrounds visitors with vibrant colors 
•     A playhouse set in a garden that transforms with the seasons

Most of the artifacts are cherished playthings from the past and present, including pieces generously donated by Frank and Theresa Caplan.

Adding to the exhibit's magic, the children's book "Carousel to the Stars" was published to commemorate the gallery. Featuring poetry, illustrations, and a brief history of the Carousel, this book honors past museum president Mildred S. Compton, whose visionary leadership preserved this treasure for future generations. The book's whimsical narrative captures the Carousel's timeless charm: "'Round and 'round with the sound of the wind, Up and down and around once again. Cheers and laughs echo as we spin, 'Round and 'round and 'round."

The renovation of the Carousel gallery, part of the museum's 75th birthday celebration, coincided with the international year of the Carousel. This exhibit continues to enchant visitors, ensuring that the magic of the Carousel Wishes and Dreams lives on for years to come and will be a key focus of the museum's centennial in 2025.

Visit the Carousel Wishes and Dreams exhibit today and embark on a journey of nostalgia, fun, and learning for the next century!

Media Contact

Kimberly Harms Robinson, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 317-334-4003, kimh@childrensmuseum.org, www.childrensmuseum.org

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SOURCE The Children's Museum of Indianapolis