There are a lot of magical places in New York City, and now we can add another location to the list. As of this past Thursday, there’s a new carousel at the tip of Manhattan that will have you wondering why you haven’t run into Flounder, Nemo or any of their pals. The folks at the Battery Conservancy have built this $16 million SeaGlass Carousel to give residents and tourists alike the chance to see a whole new world.

For the low cost of $5, children and adults will get a 3-minute ride inside the bellies of mechanized fish that shimmer with simulated bioluminescence. The carousel features a 4-turn table scheme that allows the fish to weave around each other with a touch of natural grace. There are angelfish, lion fish, trigger fish, and Siamese fighting fish to ride — each fish is large enough to carry 1 adult and 1 child. There are two stationary Siamese fighting fish outfitted for guests in wheelchairs as well.

“Children and adults should feel as if they are fish,” Warrie Price, president and founder of the conservancy, told The New York Times. This has been her pet project for a decade, and even after significant setbacks thanks to Hurricane Sandy and various construction problems, she has persevered and shepherded the attraction to completion alongside architects Claire Weisz and Mark Yoes, and George Tsypin of the George Tsypin Opera Factory (set designer of the Broadway musical Disney’s The Little Mermaid).

There are 30 fish in all, each constructed from fiberglass and steel. They swim through space, occasionally pausing to let you gaze through glass walls at the gardens outside. It is truly a magical experience, and I will tell you right now that I have budgeted for at least a half hour-worth of rides. If you ever happen to make it to New York City, you’re going to want to make a pilgrimage to this special place.

Images and ht via The New York Times