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Grand Rapids' Historic Spillman Carousel Reopens After Restoration
The beloved carousel and Cook Pavilion are back in action after a two-year renovation project.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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The Grand Rapids Public Museum has announced the reopening of the historic 1928 Spillman Carousel and the Cook Carousel Pavilion on February 13, 2026, following a two-year restoration project. The carousel and pavilion have undergone extensive renovations, including the restoration of the carousel animals by a team of artists and updates to the mechanical and electrical systems to ensure safe operation for years to come. The museum has also made accessibility enhancements to the pavilion with guidance from local disability advocates.
Why it matters
The Spillman Carousel is a beloved cultural icon and prized possession of the Grand Rapids community. Its reopening after a lengthy restoration project is an exciting event that will allow residents and visitors to once again enjoy this historic attraction. The carousel's restoration and the updates to the Cook Pavilion demonstrate the museum's commitment to preserving the city's cultural heritage and providing an accessible, enjoyable experience for all.
The details
The restoration project involved thousands of hours of work by a team of artists at the Grand Rapids Public Museum to hand-restore the carousel's horses and other animals. Additionally, the mechanical and electrical systems were reworked to ensure the carousel's safe operation for years to come. The Cook Carousel Pavilion has also been remodeled, with a new covered, heated walkway connecting it to the main museum galleria to comply with requirements for seamless connectivity through the Kent County Trail System.
- The Spillman Carousel and Cook Pavilion will reopen to the public on February 13, 2026.
- The restoration project has been ongoing for over two years.
The players
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The museum that owns and operates the historic Spillman Carousel and Cook Pavilion.
Disability Advocates of Kent County
A local organization that provided guidance on accessibility enhancements for the carousel pavilion.
Mary Free Bed Guild
A local organization that provided guidance on accessibility enhancements for the carousel pavilion.
Meijer
A local company that provided guidance on accessibility enhancements for the carousel pavilion.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The Grand Rapids Public Museum will be open late on Friday, February 13 - extending public hours until 8:00 p.m. to celebrate the reopening of the Spillman Carousel and Cook Pavilion.
The takeaway
The restoration of the Spillman Carousel and Cook Pavilion is a testament to the Grand Rapids community's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. The project's accessibility enhancements and the museum's extended hours for the reopening celebration demonstrate the city's efforts to make this historic attraction inclusive and welcoming for all visitors.
