According to the National Carousel Association, the Griffith Park Carousel was built in 1926 by Spillman Engineering for San Diego's Mission Beach. It was at the San Diego Expo from 1933 to 1935 and then moved into its current building in 1937.
The only Spillman Engineering carousel of its kind still running, it features two chariots and 68 hand-carved horses, four abreast and every one of them a jumper. The carving is extremely fine and the details are rich: jewel-encrusted bridles and draped blankets, ornamented with sunflowers and lion's heads.
Its Stinson 165 Military Band Organ is said to be the largest carousel band organ on the West Coast, with more than 1500 marches and waltzes in its repertoire.
The Griffith Park Carousel is open weekdays in summer, on weekend all year long and it has extra hours during Christmas and Easter vacation. It's located at 4730 Crystal Springs Road near the Los Feliz entrance to Griffith Park and is accessible from MTA Route 96.
