How would you like to time-travel to turn of the century Paris? If you’re near New York, you can do just that at
Fête Paradiso. Free ferry rides whisk visitors from Manhattan or Brooklyn to Governor’s Island each weekend until September 29, 2013.
The
art forains, or "fairground art" represent the extravagant attractions from the late 19
th and early 20
th centuries from the collection of François and Fabienne Marchal. The Marchals started their collection of fairground rides in the 70s. The enthusiasts restored them and researched their histories. A couple of years ago, they sold their collection at auction, half of which was purchased by Francis Staub. Staub and another collector, Regis Masclet, devised the idea of a traveling festival.
This
fête was no mean feat. The antique rides had to be shipped from France to New York and reassembled. It took about three months to assemble all the
manèges (manej), or merry-go-rounds and other rides. The employees, dressed in turn-of-the century carnival costumes, also had to be trained to run a carnival with showmanship and flair.
Admission to the Fête Paradiso is free, but each ride costs $3. Some of these rides are so rare that the only other examples are in the
Musée des Arts Forains in Paris. Jump aboard the Chinese Dragon or the Bicycle carousel. The Bicycle carousel dates to 1897 and was designed to teach fearful adults how to ride the new-fangled contraption. But don’t be deceived by their age into thinking that they are sedate. You’ll soon be screaming like a kid as you whirl faster and faster. When your butterflies have settled, enjoy the French bistro, serving traditional French fare as well as American carnival standards. What a great way to wrap up the summer!
Artwise Paris Museum Map
The art forains, or "fairground art" represent the extravagant attractions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries from the collection of François and Fabienne Marchal. The Marchals started their collection of fairground rides in the 70s. The enthusiasts restored them and researched their histories. A couple of years ago, they sold their collection at auction, half of which was purchased by Francis Staub. Staub and another collector, Regis Masclet, devised the idea of a traveling festival.
This fête was no mean feat. The antique rides had to be shipped from France to New York and reassembled. It took about three months to assemble all the manèges (manej), or merry-go-rounds and other rides. The employees, dressed in turn-of-the century carnival costumes, also had to be trained to run a carnival with showmanship and flair.
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