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.
Jane Pauley,
David Letterman and other
celebrities have ridden the charming, antique carousel 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