Most Famous Vintage Carousels

Vintage carousels, often over a century old, are celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship, historical significance, and timeless charm. These iconic rides are preserved as cultural treasures and continue to delight visitors with their nostalgic beauty.
Vintage Flying Horses Carousel
The Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States. Located in the historic resort community of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on Martha’s Vineyard, the carousel was apparently first located in New York City before being moved to the island in the 1880s. The carousel is one of only a few that still have brass rings for riders to grab as the carousel rotates. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. This carousel was one of a few carousels still equipped with brass rings that riders could grab onto as the carousel turned.
The carousel has a diameter of approximately 11 m (36 feet). The columns that support the carriages and horses of the carousel also secure the 14 spreader panels from the central platform. The horses remain stationary even though they are called “Flying Horses”, a name given by Joseph Turnell. The horses still have their original eyes made of oxide, but they have lost their horsehair manes.
The horses and carriages are arranged as follows: A chariot is followed by two pairs of horses. Next, the chariot is followed by three pairs of horse, and so on. The panels on the carousel depict scenes from equestrian life and the sea, especially those around the central column that houses the carousel’s machinery. In the 1980s these panels were removed, as they needed to be restored, and replaced with panels depicting local scenes by a local painter. The Martha’s Vineyard Land Trust purchased the site in the 1980s and began a major restoration of the Flying Horses. This included the panel paintings done by Dare Company artists.
Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
For 88 years, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round has been a fixture in Angelenos’ lives. The upbeat, happy music played by the Stinson Military Band organ has brought smiles and laughter to children.
Some horses date back to 1895. Each of the carved and painted horse has its own personality. The black horse “Devil” has one leg jutting out behind him as if it were going to kick someone. “Hannibal”, a black horse, has a short unicorn horn on his head. Charles Looff carved “Isolde,” which is a beautiful dappled horse with flowers on her reins. Arthur, a pure white stallion with a lion’s profile above his foreleg, is carved by renowned carver Charles Looff. Adults who rode the Merry-Go Round as children are now riding horses with their grandkids.
Features 68 hand-carved jumping horses with jewel-encrusted details, accompanied by a Stinson 165 military band organ, playing over 1,500 tunes, This carousel is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland. It’s Famous for its connection to Walt Disney and its location in the iconic Griffith Park.
Vintage Carousel Features
Vintage carousels are renowned for their meticulously hand-carved animals, particularly horses. These sculptures are often created from wood, with each piece shaped and detailed by skilled artisans. Each horse, lion, elephant, or other animal is typically designed with distinctive features, making no two carousels exactly alike. The hand-painted details, intricate saddles, and flowing manes or tails add to their charm. The horses, in particular, are often designed with lifelike features, including glass eyes, flowing manes and tails made from real horsehair, and finely painted details.
Many vintage carousels feature hand-painted panels depicting landscapes, mythological scenes, or cultural themes, which are often framed by ornate scrollwork. These images evoke a sense of nostalgia and whimsy, drawing visitors into a fantastical world. The carousel’s overall design is often symmetrical, with matching carvings on the top canopy, columns, and base. This symmetry adds to the aesthetic harmony of the ride.
Where You Can Experience Great Vintage Carousels
Vintage carousels are located in some of the world’s most iconic parks, cities, and amusement destinations. They provide not only a nostalgic ride but also a glimpse into the artistry and engineering of a bygone era. Whether you’re seeking history, beauty, or a fun family outing, these vintage carousels are worth a visit. You can just go to a theme park nearby and experience the vintage carousel there. Amusement parks and shopping malls are also good places for vintage carousels.
Famous Carousel Manufacturer
Dinis Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd specializes in designing, producing, and selling professional and reliable carousel amusement carnival rides for sale. We offer 12-48 seats full-size amusement park carousel rides for sale, and various hot-selling styles and themes, including vintage merry go round rides, ocean themed carousel horse rides, Christmas carousel, luxurious Double Decker merry go round ride, and more. All of the carousels for sale are built with durable materials, such as FRP, Q235B steel, PVC, and more.
Our factory has more than 50000 square meters area size, 200+ staff, and 80+ engineers. We have CE certificate, ISO certification, and get high-tech industry title honors. One-site service from design to install, and custom service will be given to you if you buy amusement carousel rides from Dinis. If you are looking for a merry go round ride for your amusement park business, welcome to contact us. And also welcome to visit our factory and experience our carousel rides in person. We are waiting for your early inquiry.