The carousel is constructed primarily of wood, steel, and zinc to withstand its coastal environment.
The central mast is decorated with mechanical elements representing the evolution of marine exploration.
Unlike traditional carousels, the mechanical animals are designed with interactive levers and pedals allowing riders to manipulate specific parts of the creature.
The structure was designed and built by the La Machine company, known for their large-scale mechanical automata.
The carousel occupies the former industrial hangar site of the Dubigeon shipyards.
Each of the 35 marine elements was crafted individually by artists and engineers in the Nantes workshops.
The Carrousel of the Marine Worlds is a monumental three-tiered mechanical sculpture standing 25 meters tall in Nantes. Located on the site of former shipyards, this carousel operates as a kinetic exhibition featuring 35 distinct marine-themed elements across three levels. Visitors can board mechanical creatures, such as a reverse-propulsion squid, a giant crab, or a bathyscaphe, which function as seating. The structure is part of the Les Machines de l'île project, inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. It functions both as an art installation and an active carousel for riders. The lower level represents the seabed, the middle level captures the abyssal zones, and the upper level depicts the surface of the sea. Movement is controlled by hydraulic systems integrated into the sculptural frame.
The perimeter of the structure during movement, or from the boardwalk overlooking the Loire River to frame the carousel against the city skyline.
Choose a seat on the middle or top tier for the best views of the surrounding Parc des Chantiers.
Visit during an 'activation' session where the machines perform their full mechanical choreography.
Check the official website ahead of time to confirm maintenance status, as the complex mechanisms require frequent servicing.
Do not assume the carousel is running continuously; it often operates in specific time blocks with maintenance periods in between.
Closed on certain Mondays depending on the season and periodically throughout the year for technical maintenance.
