The Skyhorse Carousel is an amusement ride, art installation, and science outreach project which celebrates human culture and cosmology from ancient to modern times.
Long before we understood modern astronomy, we imagined the heavens as governed by powerful beings. These were not just deities, but also the humble beasts which served them and, in turn, helped maintain cosmic order. In many stories, it is horses who traverse the skies each night and day, bearing, guiding, and embodying the Sun, Moon, and stars, such as the fiery steeds of Greek Helios pulling his solar chariot or the shining manes of Skinfaxi and Hrímfaxi who lit up Viking skies. In other stories, different animals play a role, such as Nah’Gah, the Paiute Bighorn who climbed the tallest mountain to become the North Star, or the Jade Rabbit who lives with the Chinese Moon princess Chang’e in the Moon Palace. Sky Stories like these come from all over the world, some part of ancient myth and others of modern, living traditions and they provide cultural context that enriches our modern understanding of astronomy and the solar system. This art installation celebrates these cosmic beasts and the role they play in the mechanics of our universe, creating an experience with aspects of science, art, and play.
In 2024, the Skyhorse Carousel visited Black Rock City for the Burning Man art festival! Art doesn’t need a reason to exist, but from a science outreach perspective this project has been wildly successful! Check out our 2024 Engagement Report on the news page. We look forward to returning in 2026, but first…we have more painting to do!
This spring, we’re repainting all the scenery panels to match the give the carousel a fresh look and incorporate more Sky Stories from around the world. You can follow our journey as we paint and travel with the carousel on our Facebook page. Beyond that, perhaps to festivals, galleries, and events in Los Angeles where science, art, and culture may meet!
Looking to get involved? Please reach out! Message us on Facebook or email below.
The carousel will return to Burning Man in 2026! You can support our efforts to repaint the scenery panels. See our cost breakdown.
DONATE
Bluesky: @spacejammie, IG: @dataarcana
skyhorsecarousel@gmail.com
Skyhorse Carousel 