City Museum (750 N. 16th) is adding a new spin to its lineup of family attractions with the debut of a restored Children’s Antique Carousel, opening this Friday, March 13.
The historic ride—originally built in the 1920s by the Allan Herschell Company—will become the museum’s third permanent ride, joining the Rooftop Ferris Wheel and the City Express Train. At 20 feet in diameter, the carousel is scaled for younger visitors, with a height requirement of 40–54 inches for riders.
“This carousel feels like it was always meant to be here,” City Museum general manager Eric Gilbert said in a press release. “City Museum is built on imagination, artistry and unexpected discovery, and this ride embodies all of that.”
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Opening Festivities
To mark the opening, City Museum is planning two weekends of entertainment inspired by the golden age of amusement parks. On March 13–15 and March 20–22, visitors can expect performers such as stilt walkers and balloon twisters, along with live ragtime music and appearances by the Gaslight Square Duo. Activities will run from noon–4 p.m. each day.
The carousel will operate daily beginning March 13 and is included with general admission or a City Museum membership.
Housed in a former shoe factory, City Museum has been a St. Louis staple since 1997. Known for its artist-built tunnels, slides, and climbing structures, the sprawling playground blends architecture, sculpture and industrial salvage into a one-of-a-kind environment for visitors of all ages.
With the addition of the Children’s Antique Carousel, the museum is introducing a piece of amusement park history while expanding its appeal for younger explorers—offering a ride that’s equal parts nostalgia, craftsmanship, and play.
The Background
The carousel’s history stretches back more than a century. The Allan Herschell Company, based in North Tonawanda, New York, was one of the most prolific carousel manufacturers in the United States. It produced more than 3,000 machines over time. Many were portable rides designed to travel with carnivals and fairs, bringing hand-carved wooden horses and chariots to communities across the country.
The newly installed carousel has had a journey of its own. In 1988, sculptor Carlos Sardina and his wife, Judy, restored the piece as part of a historical preservation project. The couple later toured the carousel nationwide from the late 1980s through the early 2010s, sharing the restored ride with audiences at festivals and community events. Now, after decades on the road, the carousel has found a permanent home in downtown St. Louis.
