Celebrate Carousel Magic & Support The Museum
The 2nd Annual Carousel Museum Photo Contest invites photographers of all ages to capture the beauty, history, and joy of carousels. Four exciting categories, juried prizes, and a chance to be featured in our 2026 wall calendar make this a can’t-miss event. Every $1 vote and $20 entry helps The Carousel Museum preserve and share carousel art, history, and craftsmanship for generations to come. Join the fun, showcase your talent, and keep the carousel magic spinning!
Juried Awards:
- 1st Place in each category – $100 + Calendar Spot
- 2nd Place in each category – $100
- 3rd Place in each category – $50
Calendar Feature:
- Top two vote-getters in each category will appear in our 2026 Carousel Museum Wall Calendar, with the overall top vote-getter featured on the cover.
Exhibit:
- The top 12 juried photos will be exhibited at The Carousel Museum
About Us
The Carousel Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, is a vibrant celebration of carousel artistry, history, and preservation. Founded in 1990 as a nonprofit educational organization, the museum has grown from a single carousel horse to a vast collection of over 100 antique wooden carousel animals, showcasing the craftsmanship and nostalgia of these beloved rides.
Our mission is to acquire, restore, and preserve operating carousels and carousel memorabilia while fostering education, appreciation, and cultural enrichment. Visitors can explore our carving workshop, restoration area, and engaging exhibits, including the Museum of Fire History and the Museum of Greek Culture.
Beyond our exhibits, we are dedicated to community engagement, offering educational programs, art shows, and facility rentals for special events. As stewards of carousel heritage, we continue to expand our collection and initiatives, ensuring that the magic of carousels remains alive for generations to come.
Experience the joy, artistry, and history that make The Carousel Museum a true hidden gem in New England!
- Categories & Image Guidelines
- Entries must be non-AI generated
- Any violation of this rule will result in removal from the contest and forfeiture of any prize(s).
- The museum reserves the right to reject any submission deemed inappropriate.
- Submission Guidelines
- Entry fee: $20.00 per images (includes one calendar)
- All photos must be original work, taken by the entrants. Photos must not violate any trademark, copyright, moral rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy.
- Usage & Copyright
- By entering, participants grant The Carousel Museum permission to use their images for the exhibit, publicity (both digital and print), and potential inclusion in a wall calendar—always with proper artist attribution.
- Photographers retain full copyright of their work.
- Entrants agree that submitted images may be used for museum advertising purposes.
- Printing & Exhibit Display
- The Carousel Museum will handle the printing of all accepted photographs to maintain exhibit continuity.
- Submitted images must be high-resolution, capable of producing a 16” x 12” print.
- Selected participants will be notified in advance to provide higher-resolution versions of their images if needed.