Carousel Museum Collection
In preparation for your year end tax donations, please consider donating to the Carousel Museum's transportation fund! Our permanent collection of carousel animals continues to grow each year. Donations to the collection have come from all over the United States including, Maine, Connecticut, New York, Kansas, Las Vegas, New Jersey, California, and New York. Your support of our transportation fund will help us get these animals to the Museum and into their forever home!
Our History
The Carousel Museum was founded as a nonprofit educational organization in 1990 in Bristol, Connecticut. At that time, the Museum rented 10,000 square feet on the first floor of the restored 33,000 sq. ft. hosiery factory building at 95 Riverside Avenue and owned one carousel horse for its collection. We displayed a diverse collection of carousel art and memorabilia, all of which was on long-term loan to the Museum.
1990, the Museum formed a Board of Directors and gained non-profit status. An Executive Director was hired in 1991 to educate the public about carousel art and history. The Museum initially operated as an attraction without structured educational programs but began developing research and events to engage visitors.
Since then, the Museum has matured, expanding its collection and restoration department. Thanks to state and private funding, new educational programs were developed, and a permanent home was established in Bristol. The Museum also took over the historic Bushnell Park Carousel, enhancing its mission to preserve antique carousels.
The Museum expanded its building to include the Bristol Center for Arts & Culture, adding new galleries and hosting diverse art shows. The Museum of Fire History and a Museum of Greek Art were established, while facility rentals for events have increased. A working carousel was installed in 2012, boosting attendance and rentals.