Le Carrousel in Bryant Park

The word "carousel" has been traced to twelfth-century Arabian games of horsemanship called "carosellos" or "little wars." The game consisted of riders tossing a small perfumed clay ball from one rider to another. By the 16th century these games spread to France where the events were elaborated; people wore fanciful costumes and engaged in tournaments of drama called "Carrousels." Eventually the art form became more tactile, as artists began to sculpt crudely shaped horses. In the late nineteenth century American artists broke from European tradition. To the dashing horses, artists added an entire menagerie of elegant animals, often accompanied by flowers, bells, plump cherubs, and flashing mirrors.

Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, specially created to complement the park's French classical style, is an homage to both European and American traditions. Its fourteen delightful animals, replicas of classic carousel creatures, revolve to the sounds of French cabaret music. The rounding boards, inspired by Bryant Park's elegant baroque-style torchères along 40th Street, blend into the leafy canopy of the park's plane trees.

Fabricon Carousel Company, whose artists designed and created Le Carrousel, was based in Brooklyn, N.Y., and has hundreds of other installations as far away as China and as close as Riverbank State Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Le Carrousel Birthday Parties

Get the Party started In New York's most beautiful park At New York's most charming merry-go-round.

For information, rates and reservations:

Click here to plan your child's birthday party. Just choose from our three fun party packages, and fill out the reservation request form.

View map of the park

Hours

  • January 2013
  • Sunday-Thursday: 11am–9pm
  • Friday & Saturday: 11am–10pm
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  • February 2013
  • Thursday – Sunday: 11am–6pm
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  • March – May 2013
  • Daily: 11am–7pm
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  • June – October 2013
  • Daily: 11am–8pm
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  • November – December 2013
  • Sunday-Thursday: 11am–9pm
  • Friday & Saturday: 11am–10pm
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  • 2013 Holiday Hours
  • Holiday Recess, February 18 – 22: 11am–7pm
  • Halloween, October 31: 11am–9pm
  • Thanksgiving Day, November 28: 9am–10pm
  • Christmas Eve, December 24: 10am–6pm
  • Christmas, December 25: 10am–6pm
  • Holiday Recess, December 26 – December 30: 10am–10pm
  • New Year's Eve, December 31: 10am–6pm
  • New Year's Day, January 1: 10am–6pm
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All hours weather permitting.

Pricing

  • One ride: $2.00
  • Parents assisting children unable to ride solo will not be charged
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  • Discount cards
  • Buy a discounted card and enjoy 10 rides for $15

Upcoming Events at Le Carrousel

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Hop on over to our pad for unfroggetable fun with Flaubert Frog and all his carousel pals.

In case of rain, Flaubert Frog & Friends will be canceled.

 
Saturday, June 22, 2013

Hop on over to our pad for unfroggetable fun with Flaubert Frog and all his carousel pals.

In case of rain, Flaubert Frog & Friends will be canceled.

 
Sunday, June 23, 2013

Voilà! Bryant Park becomes even more magical with master magicians who will leave you spellbound.

Produced in partnership with mondaynightmagic.com.

In case of rain, Le Carrousel Magique will be cancelled.

 
Saturday, June 29, 2013

Hop on over to our pad for unfroggetable fun with Flaubert Frog and all his carousel pals.

In case of rain, Flaubert Frog & Friends will be canceled.

 
Sunday, June 30, 2013

Voilà! Bryant Park becomes even more magical with master magicians who will leave you spellbound.

Produced in partnership with mondaynightmagic.com.

In case of rain, Le Carrousel Magique will be cancelled.

 

Volunteer

Would you like to help with Bryant Park projects?
Go to our Volunteer Application page.