SeaGlass Carousel: Your Guide To The Magical Underwater Journey
SeaGlass Carousel at the Battery is a charming ode to the sea. Designed as a chambered nautilus with color-changing LED light fixtures, the carousel ride offers a unique experience for children and adults. Blending artistry with technology, it boasts fish-shaped gondolas that drift through a dazzling underwater world of lights and music. Its innovative design promises a surreal experience, attracting visitors from near and far. If you’re looking for a delightful city escape, this is it!
A background on the SeaGlass Carousel
The SeaGlass Carousel is at the very heart of Battery Park’s history. Originally home to the New York Aquarium from 1896 to 1941, the 2,575-square-foot shell-like stainless steel and glass structure we know today opened to the public in 2015. Standing at 9.5 feet wide and 13.5 feet tall, the edifice was designed by WXY Architecture + Urban Design with the underwater world in mind.
Intricately crafted fish modeled by the George Tsypin Opera Factory transport SeaGlass Carousel visitors to the tranquility of the ocean. Sitting atop one of these thirty motorized fish, visitors can get lost in color-changing LED lights and water effects as bubbly renditions of instrumental classics complete the immersive experience.
Where is the SeaGlass Carousel, and how do you get there?
The Carousel stands at the southern end of Battery Park. The best way to get there is:
- By bus: You can take the M5, M15, M15 Select Bus Service, or the M20 to South Ferry.
- By subway: You can take the #1 to South Ferry, R to Whitehall Street, W to Whitehall Street on weekdays, or #4 and #5 to Bowling Green.
- Driving directions: Take the last exit off the West Side Highway/West Street south just before the Battery Tunnel underpass or Exit 1 towards Whitehall on the FDR Drive.
What to expect when you visit?
Beware of the day & time
We recommend you come in the evening hours to enjoy the mesmerizing color-changing lights. Wait time for one of the 30 fish-shaped gondolas is typically short, but the SeaGlass Carousel remains subject to weather conditions. Since it’s also popular with families, weekends see the most crowds. Be sure to check on time and weather before paying the underwater world a visit!
Children, pets & accessibility
Two stationary fish are ADA wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. An adult must accompany children under 42 inches; both need tickets unless the child is 12 months or younger. Visitors with mobility restrictions or special needs may receive an exemption from waiting in line.
For safety, no strollers, bikes, scooters, or skateboards are allowed inside the Carousel. Visitors can leave their belongings in the designated store areas outside. During the ride, guests must keep their belongings inside the fish and wear seatbelts.
You must keep food and drinks sealed or in containers. Although Battery Park is dog-friendly, pets, including service animals, cannot enter the pavilion or the ride.
Tickets for the ride are available only in person at the venue. You can buy a single ticket or 10 tickets at a slight discount.
Get your tickets to visit the SeaGlass Carousel!
What else can you do when you visit?
There’s plenty to do at the Battery Park before and after your ride on the Carousel! You can explore the thrilling four-hour guided tour through five iconic neighborhoods, step back at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Irish Hunger Memorial, and Castle Clinton, or explore the Battery Urban Farm to learn about sustainable farming!
Enjoy a bike ride on the Battery Bikeway, relax on the lawns, cool off at the Bosque Fountain… Whether you’re looking for educational experiences or simply a place to unwind, Battery Park has something for everyone.
The Battery is your gateway to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The place offers a rich blend of history, culture, and recreation in one of New York City’s most iconic parks.
Don’t forget to grab a bite at the waterfront restaurant or one of the farm-to-table outdoor garden cafes!
FAQs:
Who can ride the SeaGlass Carousel?
SeaGlass Carousel rides are open to children and adults. Children shorter than 42 inches in height must sit on an adult’s lap.
Can you have a party at SeaGlass Carousel?
Yes, you can host birthday parties at the Carousel. The team of Party Specialists is there to make your event extra special.
What are the SeaGlass Carousel timings?
The Carousel is usually open from 9 am to 9 pm. Note the timing may vary according to the season and weather.
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Comparing the SeaGlass Carousel to other carousels wouldn’t be fair. It promises to stay etched in your memory for years.
The unique design and concept of sitting inside fish-shaped gondolas, surrounded by mesmerizing lights and music, create an unparalleled magical underwater journey. Everyone can delight in the innovative blend of artistry and technology it offers. The dreamlike experience is an ideal attraction for families, couples, and anyone looking to pause the everyday hustle.
As the original home of the New York Aquarium, the Carousel pays tribute to Battery Park’s past and adds another historical layer to your experience.
From the lush lawns and scenic pathways to the nearby attractions like the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the Statue of Liberty, there is no shortage of activities to complement your visit here.
Perfectly holding the magic of history, innovation, and entertainment, the carousel never fails to amaze you.
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