“We are thrilled to introduce New Yorkers and visitors from around the world to SeaGlass Carousel, offering a completely unique theatrical experience that will delight and inspire,” said Warrie Price, president and founder of The Battery Conservancy. “The opening of SeaGlass and the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Woodland Gardens marks a major step forward in plans to revitalize The Battery, as it recaptures its place as a major cultural destination in the city.”
SeaGlass has been in development for more than 10 years, and features a bevy of architectural, artistic, lighting, sound and experiential elements that have all been choreographed into a carousel for the modern era. Conceived by WXY as a way to speak to The Battery’s history as the original home of the New York Aquarium, the one-of-a-kind spectacle tells the story of the area’s connection to the sea. 24 structural forms, including steel framing, stainless steel roofing and large glass panels, make up the carousel’s unique casing, which spirals up to 35-feet-tall at the highest point. Sustainable considerations, such as a natural ventilation system that utilizes the movement of the carousel itself as a fan to ventilate the space and LED and fiber-optic lighting, were also incorporated into WXY’s design.
Designed by George Tsypin Opera Factory, which had just wrapped its work on Broadway’s The Little Mermaid when they were contacted by The Battery Conservancy, the 30 over-sized fish that bring SeaGlass to life are as large as 9 ½ feet wide and 13 ½ feet tall, and represent 12 different species. Since there are no poles going through the creatures, riders are able to sit within cubby-like holes in the fish and experience the show in a way that is much more dynamic than a traditional carousel.
The SeaGlass carousel will open today at 1pm. After opening day, regular hours of operations will be daily from 10am-10pm. Tickets will be $5.
+ The Battery Park Conservancy
