The carousel was originally operated from 1915 in Saint Kilda, Melbourne. It was bought by the City of Canberra in 1973 and after extensive refurbishment, it was opened to the public in 1974. Located in a central city plaza, it has remained in operation since then. The organ and the fifty two hand carved wooden horses and two elephants were specially imported from Germany. The twisted brass upright poles were made in Scotland. The German fairground 69 key pipe organ was restored to working condition by the Carousel Organ Restoration Group following its arrival in Canberra. Because of its fragile condition, the organ is stored separately from the merry-go- round. Volunteers from the Australian National University’s Research School of Physical Sciences restored the steam engine in the centre of the merry-go-round. Because of its age, the boiler cannot be used. The merry-go-round is operated by a modern electric motor. The horses are four abreast in 14 rows. There are also two hand carved wooden elephant carriages. One elephant is white the other is grey. The horses are individually named Click on one of the pictures above to view a larger image. When a picture is displayed, use the following to navigate through the show:
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