The city’s elite toasted Jane’s Carousel on Thursday as a popcorn-crunching Mayor Bloomberg, Jean Nouvel, Jacques Torres, and, of course, the editor of The Brooklyn Paper, hopped on for an inaugural ride.
Jane Walentas, artist and wife of DUMBO megadeveloper David Walentas, unveiled her magnificent 1920s-era merry-go-round on the East River at a preview at an event serving Champagne and popcorn — which Hizzoner ate with reckless abandon.
The Walentases bought the historic ride at an auction in Ohio in 1984 — and spent years 26 years restoring it.
Jane’s Carousel now shines in a Nouvel-designed $9-million acrylic and glass pavilion with 26-foot-tall retractable walls that open during the day. At night, shades drop over the glassy shelter, allowing the carousel horses to cast silhouettes across the river.
But children looking for a wild pony ride beware: the horses on the outside are stationary! Carousel experts say that’s because the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, maker of this classic, traditionally made “safer” rides. Darn it.
Jane’s Carousel at Brooklyn Bridge Park [Dock and Water streets in DUMBO, (718) 222-2502], 11 am to 7 pm. For info, visit janescarousel.com; Also, bring your ticket stub to the Water Street Restaurant & Lounge [66 Water St. between Main and Dock streets in DUMBO, (718) 625-9352], and receive $2 off your meal, which makes the ride free.
