The carousel's original paint was removed by hand over several years to reveal the original 1920s colors underneath.
The pavilion's glass walls are designed to act as a shadow box, becoming transparent during the day and glowing from within at night.
The ride is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Each of the 48 horses was individually stripped of multiple layers of lead paint before being repainted.
The carousel was donated to the city by Jane and David Walentas as part of the Brooklyn Bridge Park development project.
Jane's Carousel is a fully restored 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan Company ride housed within a glass pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Originally built for Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, the carousel features 48 carved wooden horses and two chariots. It was meticulously restored over 27 years by Jane Walentas after being purchased at an auction in 1984. The pavilion provides climate-controlled operation year-round, protecting the historic horses from environmental damage while offering views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The ride is located within Brooklyn Bridge Park in the DUMBO neighborhood. The structure's glass walls are retractable, allowing the pavilion to open to the waterfront during favorable weather conditions.
From the park pathways outside the pavilion, framing the carousel horses through the glass walls with the Manhattan Bridge in the background.
Check the official website for unscheduled maintenance or private event closures before arriving.
Visit during the late afternoon to capture the transition from daylight to evening lighting across the glass pavilion.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Brooklyn Bridge Park for optimal skyline views.
Do not expect to ride during private events or major inclement weather if the pavilion is restricted.
Closed on Tuesdays; may close for private events or extreme weather conditions.
