new england carousel museum

I ended up checking this museum out because I attended a Yelp party held here. It is interesting to see the various painted horses, and the indoor carousel is cute/fun to take a whirl on. But it's definitely a very odd museum. There's almost too much open space and it seems to be more of a holding place for random carousel and firehouse memorabilia. I think it could be much cooler if it had more time, money, and attention devoted to it. It's probably great to take little kids to for a day but I doubt you'd spend much more than an hour at it.

Went with a group. The tour guide had a LOT of info to educate us about the early carousel which was very interesting. Many enjoyed the carousel ride too!!!!

Friends and I visited on a weekday and the place was not crowded. The director showed us around. It was very interesting and fun!

If you like carousel horses you get more than ever. Huge old building houses at least a hundred items with history on each. The kids get to ride the carousel on site, there is a store, and area where they are working on new carousel animals. There is a big horse that kids can sit for photos.

Treat yourself and your family a friends to visit some lovely memorabilia from the "good ol' days." You can let your imagination and memories swirl in you head as you listen to the cheerful merry-go-round music. There are several events every year, dinner and dancing etc.So too, are programs for children and also party space for sleep overs and Birthday parties.

Located in an old warehouse, interesting museum to visit if you feel like you've seen everything CT has to offer. If you appreciate the preservation of things historic and wood craftsmanship you will not be disappointed. It's amazing the work that went into constructing these carousels back in the 1900s and then the effort to recover and restore them to their original glory. Riding a carousel is a timeless joy. Kids might enjoy seeing the more unique animals (pig, rooster, giraffe) but not being able to ride them might prove tortuous. The working carousel was unfortunately small and underwhelming for them however.

Ct hasn't really developed the type of tourism that it should. Here in the hills and valleys are vast artifacts of the Industrial Revolution that made America and are found nowhere else in the nation.. The worlds's greatest craftsmen of their day created the tools, equipment and products that changed the world. The simple carousel, one of these products and a childhood delight, has a history that unfolds at this museum where you can see the painstaking repair of pieces sent from all over the nation. Located in an old hosiery factory building that is a wonderful setting for the artisans working there, it's worth the trip and is not far from the New Britain Industrial Museum.

The museum is filled with carousel animals of all ages and stages of completion. It shows the steps that are used to create the animals and gives an interesting history. One thing I learned was that originally, the animals were not attached to the carousel, so animals and riders flew off on a regular basis.The tour guides are happy to turn on the caliope and the lights on the carousel, and usually, the carousel can also be ridden. It was not working the day I was there. Just hearing the music was enough to make my heart soar.

The New England Carousel Museum in Bristol CT is a nice find. A small museum by many standards, a medium sized museum by other standard, however for me it is just right. It is focused on the carousel and the animals that are carved and put on those carousels. With a wonderful sampling of the carousel animals, a working carousel for the children, and a party room to bring a birthday or holiday party to a great setting the Carousel Museum is beautiful. So colorful and playful. Now add to this a master carver who can create new animals, and repair aged animals and you have something really special. It turns out that animals needing repair are shipped here and the craftsmen repair and return them. Wow! There are animals in the process of construction so one can experience the process of creation. So, if in Bristol, make this a stop for sure. Oh es and did I say the staff is so helpful and knowledgeable, well they are! I can hear the tunes now.... Lets go.

The subject matter (carousel animals) is great, but it is the energetic and well informed staff that make this an exceptional attraction. We were a group of adults and our guide, Andrew, provided aninformative introduction and then left us to roam around and read the fascinating descriptions/explanations of the carved carousel horses and animals on display. Later a small group of youngsters from a camp came in and we could hear Andrew welcome them and provide an age appropriate explanation for them - very impressive! And then we got to ride on a carousel!!!Great fun!!! And the fire museum upstairs was an unexpected and amazing display.

I was on business today in Bristol, CT. What to do ? I saw a sign for the New England Carousel Museum in the morning, so tried it the afternoon. Wonderful! Cathy gave me a guided tour and showed me all the highlights - original wooden carousel horses, the different styles - country fair, Philadelphia and Coney Island (something like that...) the horses are whimsical and beautiful and the history is well documented. A highlight was riding the small but authentic carousel (all by myself!) with the Wurlitzer delightfully playing and Cathy smiling and snapping her fingers. I wish I lived in the area, so I could have an event here. The Museum of Fire History is an excellent add-on. I'm not sure about the add-on of the Museum of Greek Culture. That's a bit too quirky. But, no matter. This is so very much worth the $6.00 admission. GO! You won't regret it.

My husband and I hosted a 60th birthday party at the New England Carousel Museum on May 18, 2014 for 72 guests. We could not have asked for a better venue or a better experience. The staff was courteous, friendly, helpful and generous with their time. The museum itself is unique and fun. So much better than hosting a party in a stuffy restaurant or hall. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed seeing the antique horses, riding the indoor carousel (even the adults) and visiting the Fire Museum. It was truly a memorable occasion. We have had (and continue to have) many compliments and much positive feedback.

We just celebrated my father-in-laws 80th birthday on their facilities on the second floor... We catered the event (there is no kitchen), they have a bar that you can use however, we just used a table for the wine and beer. The space is ample and the ambiance is very interesting. We had a DJ, space for dancing, about 45 people and still have plenty of space for my 18-month grandson to play. The exhibitions are phenomenal if you are a Carousel lover... our audience was mixed so everyone from 14 years old to 80+ enjoyed the exhibitions and the ride in the carousel.

My grandson & I had a lovely guided tour which ended with a carousel ride. Great exhibits & lovely staff.Will go again.

wonderful for kids and interesting for adults. enthusiastic staff and good exhibits, working little carousel, calliope all add to the fun