The original Luna Park, situated on the renowned Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, holds a captivating history that spans over a century. Luna Park was one of the earliest and most iconic amusement parks in the United States, known for its extravagant attractions and dazzling lights.
The park featured a diverse array of attractions, and was a beacon of entertainment, drawing in crowds from all over the country with its enchanting atmosphere, thrilling rides, and stunning displays. Celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle, and Buster Keaton were among the famous visitors to Luna Park. The park’s use of elaborate themed architecture and immersive environments influenced the development of future theme parks around the world.
History of Luna Park
Before Luna Park, Coney Island was primarily a beach and leisure destination. In the late 19th century, it featured various amusement attractions such as bathhouses, hotels, and a few small amusement parks.
Some notable attractions included the Elephantine Colossus, a seven-story elephant-shaped hotel, and Steeplechase Park, which offered horse racing-themed rides and amusements. There was also a Dreamland Circus Side Show, featuring freaks and curiosities.
However, Luna Park, when it opened at the turn of the 20th century, marked a significant milestone in the development of Coney Island as it introduced a new level of grandeur and spectacle, setting the stage for the future amusement park boom in the area.
Luna Park opened on May 16, 1903, by Frederic Thompson and Elmer “Skip” Dundy, two showmen with a vision to create a fantastical amusement park like no other. Together, Thompson and Dundy formed the Thompson and Dundy Company, which focused on developing amusement parks with elaborate and captivating attractions. They collaborated on various projects, but their most notable endeavor was the creation of Luna Park.
Luna Park became an instant sensation, featuring a dazzling array of innovative rides, attractions, and electrifying displays. Thompson and Dundy aimed to create a magical world of entertainment, complete with illuminated facades, colorful lights, and whimsical architecture.
During its heyday, Luna Park on Coney Island attracted an estimated 1 million visitors per week, making it one of the most popular and heavily frequented amusement parks in the world. Admission to the park in the early years would have been around 25 cents.
One of the unique and intriguing aspects of Luna Park was its use of electric lighting, which was relatively new at the time. The park was adorned with thousands of electric bulbs, creating a stunning spectacle of light that illuminated the night sky. It was a mesmerizing sight for visitors and earned Luna Park the nickname “The Electric Eden.”
Luna Park Attractions
Luna Park was known for its elaborate, brightly colored architecture and attractions. Some of its famous rides include the “Dragon’s Gorge” roller coaster, a dark ride that took visitors on a journey through a maze-like track, featuring elaborate scenes and special effects.
Trip to the Moon
The “Trip to the Moon” ride was a simulated journey to the moon using mechanical effects and elaborate sets, inspired by Jules Verne’s novel. This roller coaster, designed by LaMarcus Thompson, took riders on a thrilling journey through a simulated lunar landscape. It was one of the earliest roller coasters in the world and became an iconic symbol of Luna Park. The ride’s unique theme and exhilarating twists and turns made it a favorite among thrill-seekers.
Human Laundry
Among the many attractions at Luna Park, one of the most peculiar was the “Human Laundry.” This bizarre exhibit featured rows of large washing machines, where people would sit inside while the machines were turned on. The machines would spin and wash the occupants, giving them a wild and unconventional experience. It was an unusual concept that fascinated and bewildered visitors.
Baby Incubators
One exhibit at Luna Park was “Incubators for Premature Babies.” Yes, you read that right. Luna Park housed a facility that showcased premature infants in incubators as an attraction. Under the direction of Dr. Martin Couney this sideshow was known as “Baby Incubators” or “Infantorium,” where premature babies were cared for and displayed to the public.
This was actually a good thing, even if it sounds weird. During the early 20th century, most hospitals did not have incubators, so for an infant born premature, this Coney Island attraction would have been life saving. And it inspired social change. Not before long, incubators became an integral part of the hospital environment.
Fairy Grotto
Another oddity at Luna Park was the “Fairy Grotto,” an enchanting attraction that featured a network of tunnels adorned with colorful lights and artificial flowers. Visitors would wander through this magical realm, feeling as if they had stepped into a fairy tale. The Fairy Grotto added a touch of whimsy and wonder to Luna Park, captivating the imagination of young and old alike.
Shoot the Chutes
The “Shoot the Chutes” ride was one of the iconic attractions at the original Luna Park in Coney Island, New York. It was a water-based amusement ride that provided thrills and excitement for park visitors. The ride consisted of a large boat or log flume that traveled up a steep incline, offering riders a breathtaking view of the park and surrounding area. Once at the top, the boat would descend down a steep drop, creating a thrilling splash as it hit the water at the bottom. This exhilarating experience was a favorite among Luna Park visitors, as it combined the excitement of a high-speed descent with the refreshing splash of water.
Luna Park Closure
Sadly, Luna Park faced several challenges throughout its history. It suffered multiple fires over the years, with the most devastating one occurring in 1944, which led to the park’s closure. After the fire, Luna Park struggled to regain its former glory. The park was demolished in 1946, and the land was eventually redeveloped for other purposes.
Luna Park Today
The spirit of Luna Park lives on as a new Luna Park opened on Coney Island on May 29, 2010. The new park pays homage to its predecessor, providing a mix of nostalgia and contemporary entertainment. The new Luna Park features a variety of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy classic rides such as roller coasters, Ferris wheels, carousels, and spinning rides. Additionally, there are water rides, interactive games, arcade areas, and live entertainment shows to enhance the overall experience.
The history of Luna Park on Coney Island is filled with remarkable and eccentric details that reflect the unique charm and allure of this iconic amusement park. From its breathtaking electric lighting to its peculiar attractions, Luna Park left an indelible mark on the amusement park industry. Altogether, the original Luna Park remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Coney Island.