It Has Been Missing for the Past Two Years and Now It’s Back!

Finally, one of the most exciting exhibits at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and certainly something that makes Grand Rapids a unique place to visit, will be spinning again! Of course, I mean the classic 1928 Spillman Carousel.

This gem of the museum and community will reopen to the public in just a couple of weeks on Wednesday, May 25.

Cook Carousel Pavilion at Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Carousel sits above the Grand River in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the GRPM and has been ridden by hundreds of thousands of visitors since it arrived in 1994. It's one of only three of its kind ever produced!

The 1928 Classic Spillman Carousel

Being nearly 100-years old, the carousel has had to undergo a major renovation actually beginning in 2017 and was completely taken out of service in February, 2020, so having it back is very exciting.

All Kids Love Riding the Carousel

The staff and crew at the museum had to do mechanical and electrical upgrades, installation of 1,200 LED light bulbs, band organ repairs and initial steps toward restoring 53 horses and menagerie animals and two chariots. In addition to all of that, other really cool additions to the Carousel are that it will be equipped with bilingual signage and instructional recordings, as well as additional communication features for those who are blind, low vision, deaf or hard of hearing.

Beautiful Restoration of 1928 Spillman Carousel

So, how can you catch a ride on the Spillman Carousel? It's included with a ticket to the Museum. Parents must accompany children under 48” tall, and will receive a free rider pass to do so. Tickets are sold in time slots, with a ride taking place every 20 minutes. Tickets can be reserved in advance online at grpm.org or at the Carousel during your visit to the GRPM.