The Carousel Museum

The Carousel Museum is actually 3 museums in one. The bulk of the items on display are carousel related - Downstairs is the collection of animals, cars, banners and more. There are activities for kids and a functional carousel. There are references to carousels in pop culture and insight on the creation and repair of the ride-on animals. Upstairs, there are more Carousel animals in a large room that is available to rent for functions. Upstairs also hosts a small museum of ancient Greek history, and a museum of firefighting history. All are included in the single price of admission! It's a fascinating place to spend some time, very kid friendly but also interesting for adults!

The museum is located in an old factory building that made garments. The museum is really beautiful with an older aesthetic but plenty to see. The fun facts were fun to read and walking through the exhibits was very interesting. There are two floors in this museum. It includes a section dedicated to firefighters, another for Greek artifacts, and an exhibit for the history of tattoos. There are quite a few fun activities for kids including a scavenger hunt, kids play/educational area, and a small working carousel. We spent a couple hours walking through and enjoying everything this museum had to offer.

I rented the upstairs event space for my son’s first birthday party this past weekend. From the time I booked the space to the day of the event, we went through 3 different event planners. Communication from person to person was inconsistent and I was told/not told different things. I was told birthday party events typically don’t get to use the cooler in the event space and that I should bring a cooler to refrigerate drinks for my 80 guests. Regardless - the day of the party, I was thrilled with the space and how beautifully I ended up bringing my vision to life. There was a staff member there the day of who I had never met before and was downright rude. She was moving my belongings as I unloaded my car and I had to ask her to stop. As soon as my event was scheduled to be over, the staff members proceeded to turn the lights off on us. They stood in the front of the room and made everyone uncomfortable. It was so unprofessional and passive aggressive. If there was an issue, a conversation should’ve been had with me. They also made us walk our own garbage down to the dumpster while they escorted enough. It would’ve been easy enough for them to just take it themselves to help us as we rushed to clean up and leave. It’s a shame that I was treated this way because my son’s birthday party was gorgeous and my guests had a blast. The staff definitely needs to sort out some kinks and learn how to treat their guests.

We had so much fun with our granddaughters at this museum. The girls were having a great time with the scavenger hunt. There was a dress up area for them to put on a play. They have a carousel ride for $1. Upstairs there’s a fire history museum with so many things to look at. Hats from everywhere, bells of all kinds, and all kinds of fire equipment and fire engine models. I think the adults had just as much if not more fun. Oh and they do the restorations right there that you can watch. Amazing place.

Great place to visit! We were a group of 9 and came in without them knowing. A woman named Kate greeted us and asked us if we would like a guided tour. She was very knowledgeable and kind. It was a great tour. It’s is definitely worth the visit. You can also rent out the upper floor for weddings or parties even for work luncheons. They do beautiful restorations on carousel horses and other animals. There is also a fire equipment museum attached. Also a must see!

This carousel museum is a pretty good place to visit in CT. The ancient building from 1904 gives this a rustic feel. You feel the history here. So many carousels to check out along with the history of macadonia culture. The fire fighter history section is also good to watch out for. We got the carousel rides too where an automated piano plays which is so wonderful. Go with kids as they will love this place.

The carousel museum in Bristol, CT is a little jewel. Filled with amazing carousel antiques, exhibits and reproductions spanning the history of these wonderful rides. Certainly worth the price of admission (inexpensive), and a couple hours of your time. As a bonus you get admission to the adjoining firemen and Greek culture museums. We thoroughly enjoyed the museum and give it four clams on the coveted Five Quahog Rating Scale ( five Google stars).

Came here to meet Santa and Elsa. Building is very nice, it can be rented for parties and has a small children's carousel! Our kids had a blast. There is also a fire history museum on the top floor with lots of cool things to see. So many beautiful carousel rides and how they are made.