Children's Museums

The Carousel Museum

Name: The Carousel Museum
Address: 95 Riverside Ave, Bristol, CT 06010, Bristol, CT, US
Telephone: (860) 585-5411
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (542 reviews)

📍 95 Riverside Ave, Bristol, CT 06010

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🕐 Hours

Quick Facts

🏛️Houses a Patriotic Horse carousel piece from circa 1905 manufactured by the Dentzel Factory, one of America's most renowned carousel makers
⭐Features a functional Wurlitzer band organ that plays during carousel rides, combining mechanical music with the carousel experience
🏛️Museum building dates to 1904, providing a historic structure that enhances the antique carousel collection's authenticity
⭐Operates an indoor working carousel allowing visitors to ride vintage carousel horses, combined with an integrated firefighting history museum on the upper floor
⭐Displays a Primitive Horse carousel piece from circa 1890, representing early American carousel artistry from the 19th century

💬Plan 2-3 hours to fully explore both the carousel horse collection on the main floors and the fire history museum on the top floor, which visitors consistently mention as a worthwhile addition to the experience.
💡Bring children ready to ride the functional carousel with its automated Wurlitzer organ music — this interactive element is a highlight that makes the museum memorable for kids beyond just viewing exhibits.
🕐The venue offers party rental options and hosts special events like character meet-and-greets (Santa, Elsa) — check their event calendar ahead of time if visiting during holiday seasons for potential crowd considerations.
💬At $15 per visit, consider the membership program if you live in the Connecticut area, as the rotating exhibitions and special events make repeat visits worthwhile throughout the year.
💡Start with the carousel horses and artifacts section to understand the craftsmanship and history (featuring pieces from the 1890s-1905 Dentzel Factory), then explore the fire history museum upstairs for a complete educational experience.