Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Launches Campaign to Restore Beloved Historic Carousel

On National Carousel Day, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is calling on the community—and fans of nostalgia everywhere—to help preserve a cherished piece of local and national history. The museum has officially launched a $100,000 crowdfunding campaign to restore its iconic Broad Ripple Park Carousel, a treasured attraction that has delighted generations of visitors with its whimsical charm and rich legacy.

More than a century old, the Carousel features 42 hand-carved and colorfully painted animals, twinkling lights that evoke a starry night sky, and the joyful melodies of a Wurlitzer organ. A National Historic Landmark, the 108-year-old ride is one of just 150 surviving carousels from the golden era of American carousel-building (1880s–1930s)—and among the few that still operate today. Each year, over half a million people climb aboard the tiger, giraffe, goat, reindeer, lion, and galloping horses for a timeless spin into the past.

Restoration work is no small feat. Donations raised through the Carousel Crowdfunding Campaign will support a range of critical updates, including expert restoration of the carved animals, enhancements to the Carousel’s aging mechanical system, and upgrades to ensure the Carousel continues to spin smoothly and safely for future generations.

“This beloved Carousel is more than just a ride—it’s a source of magic and joy for so many children and families,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “It’s also a symbol of our shared history. These funds are not just to restore the Carousel’s function and appearance, but to safeguard memories and create new ones for generations to come. We’re inviting the community to help keep the magic alive.”

Donors can contribute individually or join "teams" led by selected Carousel Champions. Contributions of any amount are welcomed and appreciated, ensuring everyone can play a part in preserving this cultural treasure.

The campaign will culminate on August 22 at the Second Century Soirée—a black-tie, adults-only fundraising gala celebrating 100 years of community impact and ushering in the museum’s second century of wonder. Event details and ticket information can be found on the museum’s website.

The Carousel’s story is as fascinating as the ride itself. Originally constructed in 1917 for White City Amusement Park—later renamed Broad Ripple Park—it was a segregated attraction at the time, accessible only to White families. The building that housed the ride collapsed in 1956, destroying the machinery but sparing many of the animals. The museum acquired these in 1965 and spent the next decade planning their revival.

By 1975, thanks to a new Mangels-Illions mechanism and a platform lifted to the museum’s top floor by crane, the Carousel reopened in a permanent indoor setting. With its revival, it became a symbol of inclusion and joy for all children and families, a centerpiece of the museum’s commitment to both education and enchantment.

To learn more about the Broad Ripple Park Carousel’s history or to contribute to the restoration campaign, visit the museum's donation page. With community support, this magical ride will continue to go ‘round and ‘round for another hundred years.