Filming Location Spotlight | Jane’s Carousel: Brooklyn’s Historic Gem and Scenic Filming Spot

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Broadway Stages takes pride in supporting our vibrant local communities. Our Filming Location Spotlight series highlights local shops, restaurants, landmarks, and venues where productions that call Broadway Stages home have filmed "on location." We encourage our readers to explore and support these unique spots and join the film and television industry in helping sustain our neighborhoods' economies and culture! In this edition, we take a spin on the famous Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Broadway Stages loves New York City! The city's energy enhances realism and intensity in the many film and TV productions created here. The five boroughs offer a variety of settings that enrich storytelling, with a mix of skyscrapers, subways, brownstones, hidden alleyways, and more, perfect for dynamic action sequences. It’s no wonder that CBS’s hit crime drama, “The Equalizer,” films here.

“The Equalizer” follows former CIA operative Robyn McCall (portrayed by Queen Latifah) as she helps people in trouble while balancing being a single mother. The show recently filmed at Jane's Carousel, a beautifully restored 1922 carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park. It is a unique site with stunning views, and today, we take you there. Enjoy the ride!

Jane's Carousel: A Beautifully Restored Amusement in Brooklyn

Built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the Carousel first made its home in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. But in 1984, Jane and David Walentas bought the iconic ride with the mission of bringing the Carousel back to its former glory. Jane Walentas, an artist, spent over 20 years meticulously restoring the hand-carved wooden horses and chariots. In 2011, it was installed in Brooklyn Bridge Park and quickly became a beloved waterfront attraction.

Jane's Carousel symbolizes Brooklyn's waterfront revival. It provides affordable, family-friendly entertainment and creates new memories for riders of all ages. But its combination of historic charm and modern elegance also serves as a wedding and event backdrop. 

Hand-carved horses, warm lighting, and fine details bring early 20th-century nostalgia to life. The sleek glass pavilion creates an open and airy atmosphere during the day and a magical glow at night as light reflects off the glass. Its modern minimalist design blends history with urban elegance, with stunning views. The Carousel serves as both an amusement attraction and a captivating artistic centerpiece.

What sets Jane's Carousel apart are its hand-carved wooden horses and chariots, each a masterpiece of early 20th-century amusement ride craftsmanship. The Modern Glass Pavilion, a departure from traditional carousel enclosures, was designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel. This transparent structure offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the East River, making a ride on the Carousel a truly unique experience.

A Year-Round Experience

Unlike many outdoor carousels, Jane's Carousel operates year-round, thanks to its climate-controlled glass pavilion. Whether you visit in the daylight, during the sunset glow, or under the city lights, the Carousel will enchant you. Until May 12, it is open from Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. For hours through each of the seasons, click here. Stay updated on the latest news and events by following Jane's Carousel on Facebook and Instagram.

Something for Everyone

Reviewers rave about Jane's Carousel on online platforms.

●        On Google reviews:

"The setting is absolutely stunning, with panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan skyline, and East River. Riding the Carousel feels even more special with the glass pavilion that lets in natural light and frames the scenery perfectly."

●        On Yelp:

"We took our grandson here to ride this landmark carousel housed inside a tall, square, bright glass enclosure with the magnificent Manhattan skyline and a gorgeous setting sun serving as a backdrop. What a picturesque setting!... Bright, happy smiles on the faces of children and grownups alike illuminated this special space."

●        On Tripadvisor

"What better place to put a carousel than a place surrounded by playgrounds, parks, ice cream shops, pizza places, deli shops, and a view of famous bridges, famous skyline, and famous beach!! The fact that it is under and behind glass means that someone thought ahead of protecting this fabulous attraction and enables children of ALL ages to enjoy it no matter the current weather!"

For just $3, you can experience the magic of Jane's Carousel. And to ensure that this enchanting ride remains affordable and accessible to everyone, the Friends of Jane's Carousel welcomes your 100% tax-deductible donations. Your contribution, no matter the amount, helps maintain the Carousel in excellent condition for future generations, making it a great value for your money.

Institutions like Jane's Carousel are part of New York's magic, adding authentic character to the city's cultural landscape and making them ideal filming locations. By partnering with independent restaurants, bars, shops, and other businesses across the city, the film and TV industry can enhance the authenticity of its productions and also contribute to the success of these businesses that make New York special. Whether it's a pivotal scene in a television show or a quiet moment in a feature film, these locations offer a unique sense of the city we love.

At Broadway Stages, we are committed to supporting the venues that make New York City's neighborhoods thrive. Experience Jane’s Carousel for yourself, and when you go, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

One of New York’s largest and most trusted full-service production studio companies, offering comprehensive services for film, television, live streaming, commercials, live performances, music videos, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we’ve become a cornerstone of New York’s thriving creative industry.

With more than 60 soundstages spanning across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Broadway Stages offers over 4 million square feet of state-of-the-art production space, including soundstages, support space, distinctive filming locations, parking, and in-house services for lighting, power, and grip rentals. We provide tailored solutions for productions of all sizes, delivering the resources and expertise needed to meet your creative and technical needs.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.