Steam Carousel (Efteling)

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for other uses see also Steam carousel

The Steam Carousel is an attraction in the Efteling amusement park in the Netherlands. It is an indoor carousel situated in what is now known as the "Carousel Palace" (in Dutch "Carrouselpalais"; formerly "De Efteling Stoomcarrousel" ("Efteling Steam Carousel") and originally "Janvier's Stoomcaroussel" ("Janvier's Steam Carousel").

The carousel, dating from 1895, was bought by Efteling from the Janvier family, who had toured with it to local funfairs, and has been operating in the park since 11 May 1956. Rumour has it that Anton Pieck, the most important creative designer of Efteling, pushed for the purchase, because he rode the carousel as a child in Haarlem.

Although the mechanics are still visible, the carousel was only powered by steam until the 1970s; nowadays it is powered by electricity. The seats of the carousel are in the form of animals, such as horses and pigs, and golden boats, all turning to the music of an original Gavioli organ.

In 1956 the carousel was the only attraction in the building, but in 1966 the Water Organ, in 1971 the Diorama and in 1972 the Victorian Theater were also set up in the Carousel Palace.