Grand Rapids, MI – The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is proud to announce the reopening of the historic 1928 Spillman Carousel and the Cook Carousel Pavilion, welcoming the community back to one of West Michigan’s most treasured cultural icons. The Carousel will officially open to the public on Friday, February 13. The Museum will also be open late on Friday, February 13 – extending public hours until 8:00 p.m.
The Cook Carousel Pavilion is now detached from the main galleria of the GRPM’s Van Andel Museum Center to comply with requirements that create seamless connectivity through the Kent County Trail System. A covered, heated walkway will ensure museum visitors can easily access the pavilion.
“The Spillman Carousel is a living artifact,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. “It took a wonderful group of partners to make this restoration and renovation possible. Every detail reflects our shared commitment to preserving history while creating fun, memorable learning experiences for all of our guests.”
The Museum will unveil new accessibility enhancements, including the introduction of a carousel chariot designed to allow individuals using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to enjoy the attraction. These improvements were designed and implemented with support and guidance from Disability Advocates of Kent County, the Mary Free Bed Guild, and Meijer Inc.
“As a leader in accessibility, the Grand Rapids Public Museum encompasses a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of its guests,” said Disability Advocates of Kent County Executive Director Dave Bulkowski. “We are excited that the Museum’s newly-renovated Spillman Carousel and the Cook Carousel Pavilion are officially back open to the public, allowing the opportunity for all to experience a fun and carefree ride on the Carousel. We are pleased to have partnered with the Museum and work alongside this important accessibility project.”
Other improvements to the pavilion include expanded queuing space and improved sound baffling systems, among other aesthetic upgrades.
During construction, a team of artists at the GRPM dedicated thousands of hours to restoring the Carousel’s horses and menagerie animals, honoring the original craftsmanship while incorporating meaningful local connections. Extensive restoration of the Carousel’s mechanical and electrical systems will ensure the Carousel can operate safely and sustainably for decades to come. Structural improvements to the pavilion, careful preservation of historic components, and the installation of energy-efficient lighting all enhance the Carousel experience while respecting its historic integrity.
1928 Spillman Carousel History
The Carousel offers visitors of all ages the chance to experience a rare, century-old artifact in motion. Handcrafted in 1928 by the Spillman Engineering Company of North Tonawanda, New York, the Carousel features exquisitely carved wooden animals and a classic Wurlitzer band organ.
Originally brought to Grand Rapids through the vision and leadership of Peter Cook and Dave Mehney Sr., whose dedication inspired broad community support, the Carousel has become a defining feature of the Museum. The Cook Carousel Pavilion, named in recognition of the Cook Foundation’s enduring generosity, provides a welcoming and celebratory space for this iconic attraction.
The GRPM’s riverfront expansion phase, with the Cook Carousel Pavilion at its center, is nearing completion. The overall $50 million expansion project will include further upgrades to the Museum and its exhibits and grounds to ensure that it remains a treasured community gathering place for generations to come. This major renovation marks the first significant update since the Museum opened at its current location in 1994.
The Expanding Curiosity Campaign is currently in a public donation phase. Community members are invited to join us in making more room for curiosity in Grand Rapids at grpm.org/expansion
The Spillman Carousel will be open to Museum guests from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m daily. With a general admission ticket, the Carousel costs $3 to ride, with a reduced price of $1 for GRPM members. Admission and Carousel tickets can be purchased in advance at grpm.org.
More information on the Carousel, including ride times, height requirements, history, and the animal restoration project, can be found at grpm.org/carousel
