The National WWII Museum in New Orleans didn’t want just another screening room. They imagined an immersive film experience that moved—literally. Carousel USA brought that vision to life with a 43-foot rotating theater platform that delivers back-to-back shows without skipping a beat.
As one audience exits, the platform quietly rotates 180 degrees to reveal a fresh crowd already seated. No interruptions. No waiting. Just smooth, cinematic flow.
The Challenge: Build Big, Think Bigger
This wasn’t a typical install. The platform had to carry 130 guests, operate in near silence, and rotate with perfect timing—on the third floor of the building. That’s where we saw opportunity, not obstacles.
Our team engineered a precision turntable that met every demand. We worked hand-in-hand with architects and contractors to hoist massive steel components by crane, transport them in sections, and assemble them with exacting care. The result: a jaw-dropping feature that feels effortless to the viewer—and that’s exactly the point.
Comfort Meets Code—and Creativity
This isn’t just industrial muscle. The rotating theater is built for people. We designed every seat, stair, and platform surface to meet OSHA safety standards and full ADA accessibility. Audience experience drove every decision—from comfort to acoustics to sightlines.
We also made it whisper-quiet. Because what good is engineering if it breaks the moment? The turntable runs with ultra-low noise, so nothing distracts from the story unfolding on screen.
Timing Is Everything
Precision is at the core of this system. At the end of each film segment, the platform rotates exactly 180 degrees in three minutes—quick enough to keep shows moving, smooth enough to feel magical.
Our controls sync perfectly with the theater’s automation. Every cue hits right on time. Behind the scenes, a Nord 4 hp helical-bevel gearmotor powers the rotation. A custom UL508A-listed control system ensures safety and timing. It all runs on standard 480V, 3-phase power—simple, robust, reliable.
Soundproofing That Goes Beyond the Surface
Building a rotating platform that moves quietly is one thing. Isolating two screenings happening at once? That’s something else entirely.
We designed a central soundproof divider using 2×6 steel tubing wrapped in acoustic drywall and specialty insulation. A pneumatic seal closes the gap for full isolation. Beneath the deck, baffling absorbs vibration and motor noise. Guests stay immersed in their moment—never hearing what’s happening on the other side.
From Digital Model to Live Experience
We engineered the entire system in SolidWorks, designing each element to spec: tapered wheels, bearing systems, baffling, and control logic. From there, we fabricated the steel in-house, machined every precision part, and coordinated delivery to the third floor.
Crane lifts, careful assembly, rigorous testing—it all paid off. The system works exactly as designed, providing smooth, silent, synchronized movement from the first show to the last.
Specs That Make It Possible
The turntable measures 43 feet wide and stands 24 inches high. It supports 100,000 pounds of live load, designed for continuous use all day long. The full rotation takes three minutes and operates with near-silent precision.
A Story Only Movement Can Tell
At Carousel USA, we believe engineering should elevate the experience—not interrupt it. This rotating theater doesn’t just solve a problem. It adds rhythm, flow, and magic to the visitor journey.
We didn’t just build a platform. We helped the National WWII Museum tell a story—seamlessly, powerfully, and on time.
