News Summary
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is undertaking a significant restoration of its iconic 1928 Spillman Carousel and Cook Carousel Pavilion, focusing on enhancing accessibility and aesthetics. The project, involving local artists and community input, aims to make these attractions enjoyable for all visitors, especially those with disabilities. Enhancements include a newly designed chariot, improved flooring, and sound-dampening features, ensuring a welcoming environment. With a budget of $12 million to $15 million, the project is expected to be completed by late fall this year.
Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids Public Museum is currently undertaking a significant restoration of its iconic 1928 Spillman Carousel and the Cook Carousel Pavilion, with efforts focused on enhancing both accessibility and aesthetics. These restoration efforts, which began in 2017, are set to update the beloved attractions to ensure they are enjoyable for all visitors, particularly those with disabilities. The pavilion has been closed since January due to major riverfront construction, further emphasizing the project’s scale and importance.
The president of the museum, Dale Robertson, highlighted the carousel’s significance, comparing its prominence to the museum’s renowned whale exhibit. The ongoing restoration of this carousel is extensive, involving local artists who are painstakingly repainting the carousel horses with unique designs and colors. This intricate process requires the original paint to be sanded down before new layers are applied, ensuring a fresh yet authentic look.
As part of the renovations, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is introducing a newly designed chariot, aimed specifically at enhancing wheelchair accessibility. This addition replaces the old chariot to create a more inclusive environment for visitors with mobility challenges. Furthermore, sound-dampening baffles will be installed in the pavilion’s ceiling, enhancing sensory-friendliness for those who may be overwhelmed by noise.
Additional improvements include new flooring and a ramp to facilitate better access, along with expanded viewing space for carousel enthusiasts. Community input plays a vital role in the renovation process, with contributions from various stakeholders including disability advocates, occupational therapists, special education educators, and experts in autism. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that the enhancements cater to the needs of all potential visitors.
The project is projected to cost between $12 million and $15 million and aims for completion by late fall of this year, allowing the public to enjoy a refreshed experience at the historic landmark. The restoration team has dedicated approximately 300 hours to each carousel animal, meticulously stripping down to the wood before re-carpeting and applying multiple coats of paint. This care aims to preserve the carousel’s original charm while ensuring the animals remain true to their real-life counterparts.
Beyond aesthetic upgrades, the restoration process also emphasizes sustainability, with the newly designed chariot featuring reupholstered horse hair that has been thoroughly cleaned for reuse. The enhancements will also be complemented by ride announcements available in both English and Spanish, making the experience more accessible to a diverse array of visitors.
Overall, the ambitious restoration of the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s 1928 carousel and its pavilion is not only intended to beautify these cherished attractions but also to foster an inclusive environment where all households can enjoy the history and joy of this beloved carousel. With the planned reopening of the pavilion later this year, the museum reaffirms its commitment to providing a welcoming experience for everyone, particularly children and families who may otherwise feel sidelined.
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Additional Resources
- WWMT News
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- MLive
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Wood Radio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan
- WZZM 13
- Google News: Grand Rapids carousel renovation
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
