Watch CBS News

Wander Minnesota: Animals On Parade

As usual this time of year, there are all kinds of event and exhibits to take in. But at Sixth and Hennepin, on the second floor of the Plymouth Building, there's an exhibit that's different than most, combining the holidays, family fun and historic interest.

carousels 1
(credit: Amy Rea)

Animals on Parade is a collection of antique wooden carousel animals and accessories, sponsored by the folks behind Cafesjian's Carousel at Como Park. These animals are not the ones on the Cafesjian Carousel, but are a wonderful, colorful representation of this lost art.

carousels 2
(credit: Amy Rea)

This carved peacock was likely carved in the late 1800s in Europe, where carousels turned clockwise, unlike American carousels, which turn counter-clockwise.

carousels 3
(credit: Amy Rea)

This fierce lion is thought to have been carved in 1914 by the Dentzel Company, known for its muscular animals.

carousels 4
(credit: Amy Rea)

What's unique about this zebra is it has no saddle, a remnant of a time when it was thought that showing the full striping of the animal was more important than providing a comfortable seat.

carousels 5
(credit: Amy Rea)

Who could resist this delightful pair of ostriches?

carousels 7
(credit: Amy Rea)

The Dentzel Company was also behind a series of cats in the early 1900s, all carved with different expressions on their faces, and each with something in their mouths, usually a bird or fish.

Animals on Parade will be on display through Sun., Jan. 6. Admission is free. Hours are:

Through Dec. 23:
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thurs.-Sun., 4-8 p.m.

Dec. 26-Jan. 6:
Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Closed New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

The Plymouth Building
12 South 6th St, Ste 229

carousels 6
(credit: Amy Rea)

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Tuesday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.