Noah's Ark (fun house) explained

Noah's Ark is a type of amusement park walk-through attraction built between 1919 and 1936. It features a fun house in the shape of the biblical vessel found in the Genesis flood narrative. As such, most Noah's Arks featured scenes depicting animals and the biblical prophet Noah alongside traditional fun house gags.

History

The first Noah’s Ark appeared at Venice Pier (California) in 1919. The attraction was designed and built by Leroy Ramond who sold the manufacturing rights to William Dentzel the following year.[1]

Noah's Ark today

There is only one remaining Noah's Ark in operation at Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Although there is a Noah's Ark at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, England, it has not been operational since 2008.

Notable installations

LocationOpenedClosedBuilderNotes
Blackpool Pleasure Beach 19222008 William StricklerClosed
Kennywood Amusement Park 1936Philadelphia Toboggan CompanyRefurbished in 1969, 1996, 2016
Venice Pier (California) 19191940 Dentzel First installation
1920s2000 Park demolished 2010
1923 1929
Old Orchard Pier 1929 1969 Destroyed by fire [2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Noah's Ark . Styer . Joel . 12 August 1999. laffinthedark.com . 13 July 2014.
  2. Web site: Paradise Lost – The Last Voyage Of Noah's Ark P. 1. laffinthedark.com.