L.A. Acquires Historic Griffith Park Carousel, a Childhood Haunt of Walt Disney, for $1 Million
LOS ANGELES – The City of los Angeles has purchased the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, a beloved landmark with deep ties to walt DisneyS history, for $1 million.The acquisition ensures the carousel’s preservation and eventual reopening after years of disrepair.
The carousel,a fixture of Griffith Park since 1937,holds a special place in the city’s cultural heritage and in the personal history of the famed animator. disney frequently brought his daughters to ride the carousel on Saturdays, and it served as inspiration for his vision of a future theme park. While a reopening date remains unannounced,the purchase safeguards a dwindling example of early 20th-century amusement park artistry and fulfills the seller’s wish for the carousel to remain in its longtime home.
Built in 1926, the merry-go-round was relocated to Griffith Park during the Great Depression. It features horses carved by Charles Looff,renowned creator of the Santa Monica Pier carousel,and is considered a rare “four-across” model - one of a decreasing number still in existence with its original features intact.
According to city documents, the carousel is currently unable to be moved even by hand and requires substantial repairs. Despite receiving higher offers,the sellers prioritized finding a buyer committed to maintaining the carousel’s legacy within griffith Park,as noted in a city agreement. Appraisals commissioned by the city highlighted its historical importance and near-complete originality.
The city’s proposal details the carousel’s unique value,and the acquisition marks a commitment to restoring a treasured piece of Los Angeles history for future generations.