Grand Rapids Public Museum's Historic Carousel Reopens After 2-Year Renovation

Accessibility upgrades include a wheelchair-accessible chariot to welcome all visitors

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Grand Rapids Public Museum's 1928 Spillman Carousel has reopened to the public after a more than two-year renovation project. The carousel features freshly painted animals, new mechanics, and a brand-new accessible chariot to accommodate visitors who use wheelchairs, as well as families with strollers or older neighbors with walkers. The museum also made changes to the Cook Carousel Pavilion, including detaching it from the main museum to connect with the Kent County Trail System, adding sound-dampening features for those with sensory needs, and installing a heated walkway for year-round access.

Why it matters

The carousel renovation highlights the museum's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all members of the community can experience this historic landmark. The updates make the carousel more welcoming and enjoyable for a wider range of visitors, promoting accessibility and community engagement.

The details

The 1928 Spillman Carousel at the Grand Rapids Public Museum has undergone a comprehensive renovation project lasting over two years. The carousel now features freshly painted animals, new mechanics, and a brand-new accessible chariot that allows visitors who use wheelchairs, as well as families with strollers or older neighbors with walkers, to join in the fun. Additionally, the museum made changes to the Cook Carousel Pavilion, including detaching it from the main museum to connect with the Kent County Trail System, adding sound-dampening features for those with sensory needs, and installing a heated walkway for year-round access.

  • The carousel reopened to the public on Friday, February 12, 2026.
  • The renovation project lasted for more than two years.

The players

Grand Rapids Public Museum

A museum located in Grand Rapids, Michigan that houses a historic 1928 Spillman Carousel.

Nicholette Driggs

A representative from Absolutely Accessible Kent and Disability Advocates of Kent County, who advocated for the accessibility upgrades to the carousel.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's intention put in there and there's really that space for them to join in with their friends, their family, and really be a part of the community and really be able to experience the museum, and enjoy all of the really interesting and cool things like this carousel.”

— Nicholette Driggs, Representative, Absolutely Accessible Kent and Disability Advocates of Kent County

What’s next

The museum has extended its hours on Friday to celebrate the carousel's reopening, with the museum opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.

The takeaway

The Grand Rapids Public Museum's renovation of its historic 1928 Spillman Carousel demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all members of the community can experience and enjoy this beloved landmark. The updates, including the wheelchair-accessible chariot and other accessibility features, make the carousel more welcoming and inclusive, promoting community engagement and highlighting the museum's dedication to serving the diverse needs of its visitors.