Albany Historic Carousel & Museum

Our Vision Statement

Our project’s simple vision is to “enchant young and old alike with the finest carousel in the world, promote the artistry of carousel building by sharing our skills and talents and build community spirit by opening our venue to events and activities.” This carousel will eventually consist of 52 total animals and, being a menagerie style unit, has a variety ranging from a seven-foot tall giraffe, dogs, cats, zebras, unicorns, dragons, and yes, even lions, tigers, and bears, (oh my!) just to name a few! The animals are situated on three rows, where the outside row (large animals) are “standers” while the middle and inside row animals (medium and small sized respectively) are “jumpers”. Each row will eventually also have two replacement animals and there are five seasonal animals planned, bringing our total to sixty-three animals.  As of January of 2024, there are 43 animals on the carousel, with plans to add three more before the year is done. We are so fortunate to have had a 1909 Dentzel Carousel Corporation mechanism donated to our project. Our initial plan was to purchase a new mechanism that would hold 32 animals. However, Bill Dentzel, great-grandson of Gustav Dentzel the founder of Dentzel Carousel Corporation, heard of our project and arranged for the antique mechanism to be donated to us. The Albany Carousel owes a great debt of gratitude to both Bill Dentzel and the National Carousel Association, the actual owner of the mechanism prior to it being donated to our project through Bill Dentzel. This classic mechanism took over ten years to restore to working order; every wooden gear tooth, every mirror panel, every motor that turns the carousel platform, has been meticulously restored.  We invite you and your family to come down and experience the magic and nostalgia of the carousel, and to see why we are for the young- and the young at heart!   (more…)