The SeaGlass Carousel in NYC Will Make You Feel Like You Transformed Into a Fish

The ride was inspired by the chamber of a nautilus, a sea creature with a spiral shape. Kids sit in the hollowed out center of the fish, while music plays in the background. The gentle movement of the carousel is reminiscent of the swim patterns of fish in the sea.

The carousel was created by George Tsypin, who created the set design for the Little Mermaid on Broadway. Tsypin hoped that riders would feel like they had transformed into fish, drifting through the ocean currents. The LED lights that make the fish glow are supposed to imitate bioluminescence.

It’s especially fun to come to the SeaGlass Carousel at night, when the neon LED lights light up the whole park. Glass panels on the walls of the carousel also wash the whole ride in a blue light, to give the impression of being underwater. In the evening, especially in the dark, this light show is on display from all over Battery Park.

The SeaGlass Carousel is a tribute to the New York Aquarium, which first opened in Battery Park in 1896. Surrounding the carousel are four gardens inspired by the shape of waves. Together this part of the park is called the SeaGlass pavilion, and gives visitors a touch of ocean magic on land.

This enchanting ride will attract adult riders too, but kids will be especially intrigued, so add the SeaGlass Carousel to your itinerary if you’re traveling to New York City with your family. Admission is about $6.