Merrygoround

A merry-go-round, also called a carousel, is a rotating amusement ride consisting of a circular platform decorated with seats for riders. The seats are typically carved and painted figures, most often horses, mounted on poles, but carousels may also feature other animals, chariots, or benches. The platform rotates while the figures move up and down to simulate galloping, produced by a crank mechanism, gears, or a motor, depending on the design. Music from a band organ or pipe organ often accompanies the ride.

Historically, carousels began as cavalry training devices in medieval Europe and evolved into festive entertainments by the 17th and 18th centuries in Italy and France. By the 19th century, mechanical carousels were developed in Germany and France, incorporating more elaborate scenery, paintwork, and a wider array of figures. In the United States, carousel production and use expanded rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable makers such as Charles I. Looff, Gustav Dentzel, and the Philadelphia Toboggan Company contributing iconic examples. Many carousels are richly carved and hand-painted, valued as folk art and as heritage artifacts.

Today, antique and contemporary carousels remain common in parks and fairs worldwide. Some examples are preserved in museums or restored by enthusiasts, reflecting regional styles and carving traditions. The term merry-go-round is common in the United Kingdom and other parts of the English-speaking world, while carousel is widely used in North America and elsewhere.

Safety and accessibility notes: carousels operate at modest speeds and are designed for family use, with standard height and supervision guidelines, and sometimes belts or bars for added security. See also: carousel music, carrousel (military display), ring carousel.