About the Coney Island Museum
Established in 1983, the Coney Island Museum is the only accredited institution singularly dedicated to preserving, protecting, and interpreting the rich history of the People’s Playground. It houses the world’s premier collection of Coney Island photographs, paintings, ephemera, amusement-related objects, architectural elements, and vintage signs on view to the public. In addition to the permanent collection, the Museum also hosts special exhibitions and lectures on Coney Island’s history and impact. The Museum’s archives are available as a critical resource to researching scholars, and its public displays support educators from local schools.
Photo by Doug Ross
Meet our curator
Lisa Mangels-Schaefer has been the curator of the Coney Island Museum (CIM) since 2016. The great-grandaughter of renowned amusement innovator and historian W.F. Mangels, she spent her childhood playing in the family factory on W 8th Street, enjoying unlimited turns on the iconic rides— like The Whip — manufactured there . Surrounded by the legacy of three generations of amusement manufacturers, she developed a strong interest in the preservation and renewal of Coney Island, leading to her connection with Coney Island USA.
As curator, Lisa has worked to upgrade the Museum’s archives and preservation infrastructure. She spearheaded the restorations of the CIM’s Tornado car and several rare paintings; directed numerous improvements to the galleries and installations; and works to advance the CIM’s mission and expand its permanent collection.
