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Go back in time to see into the future
Photo credit: Urbanite
The Mercury Capsule Skyride (Photos courtesy of Astroland and The Coney Island History Project)
In the early 1960s, Coney Island’s Astroland billed itself as the amusement park of the 21st century. Ironically, now that 21st century is here, many of Coney Island’s critics argue that its amusement parks are outdated (although clearly, many still love Astroland just as it is).
Regardless how you feel about it now, it’s hard to argue that Astroland was anything but a very cool place in its infancy. Back then, the park included the Cape Canaveral Satellite Jet, a ride that simulated a journey to the moon; the Neptune Diving Bells, which plunged 30 feet deep into a large water tank where passengers could watch fish and dolphins; and the Mercury Capsule Skyride, which transported riders 80 feet off the ground from Surf Avenue to the Boardwalk.
Starting Saturday, the Coney Island History Project, located directly under the Cyclone, will pay homage to the early days of Astroland and its owners for the past 46 years, the Albert family. The exhibit includes photos and original construction plans for many of the park’s past and present rides.
The Coney Island History Project’s Exhibition Center is free to enter and is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Astroland exhibit will run through Sept. 1.
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