“Ready for a whirl on a whimsical menagerie?” That’s the question echoing near the Greenway Carousel, a unique attraction in the heart of Boston. This isn’t your typical carousel. The Greenway Carousel features creatures you won’t find anywhere else.
The Greenway Carousel is located at The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Grove. It offers a ride on New England carousel creatures. Imagine soaring on a Peregrine Falcon. Picture yourself aboard the Sea Serpent Gondola. You could even honor an endangered Green Sea Turtle.
The Greenway Carousel started with a gift from Amalie Kass. She wanted to bring joy to Boston’s children. The Greenway Conservancy sought community input to create a unique carousel. Children’s drawings inspired the carousel’s design. Instead of traditional horses, you’ll find animals native to the Shawmut Peninsula. Lobsters, squirrels, and grasshoppers await.
Local artist Jeff Briggs brought the children’s imaginations to life. Briggs worked as designer, sculptor, and art director for the project. The carousel opened on August 31, 2013. The Greenway Carousel is considered New England’s most accessible carousel.
The Greenway Carousel was designed with universal design principles in mind. The Institute for Human Centered Design provided guidance. These features address needs of people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. One rabbit stays still instead of moving up and down. Some creatures have tactile qualities.
The Greenway Carousel provides joy for everyone. Its environmental theme connects the experience to the Aquarium, Harbor Islands and the parks. Elders share carousel memories, while youngsters create new ones. Over 100,000 people ride the carousel each year.
While riding the Peregrine Falcon, look for real falcons nesting in nearby skyscrapers. The Sea Serpent Gondola is based on historical accounts of oarfish in Gloucester Bay.
The Greenway Carousel was popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families sought safe outdoor venues. The carousel provided a perfect place to spend time.
Each year, the creatures receive touch-ups to maintain their character. In 2022, Adirondack Studios restored all the creatures. Three structurally damaged lobsters were recreated. The carousel’s canopy is also being renovated to protect it from the elements.
The Greenway Carousel is supported by many donors. Amalie Kass, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, and the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund are some of them.
So, hop on a grasshopper, a falcon, or even a sea serpent. The Greenway Carousel is waiting to whisk you away on a delightful ride. It’s a unique Boston experience you won’t want to miss.