Finishing touches are underway on the 1928 Spillman Carousel and its home in the Cook Pavillion, both getting upgrades as part of the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s commitment to accessibility, says President and CEO Dale Robertson.
“Our core principle is to be physically and cognitively accessible to the broadest population. We know color, temperature, texture, physical construction, sound, light – all of that just matters.”
The museum’s exterior is being redesigned with terraces and ramps to the riverfront.
Inside, the carousel’s horses and other animals are now in the final process of being restored.
There’s a new ramp and a fully wheelchair accessible chariot for adults and children.
“Imagine the child who’s a wheelchair user who either had to be carried up or just watched his or her classmates enjoy the carousel. Now they’re going to be in the mix.”
Dave Bulkowski of Disability Advocates says the public museum is a leader in accessibility in West Michigan, integrating it from physical space to sensory inclusion to education.
“Accessibility is beautiful if we make that choice.”
The Cook Carousel Pavillion is expected to re-open by the end of the year.
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