Phoenixville, Pa., November 11, 2025 – Phoenixville, Pa., named by Travel & Leisure in 2025 as the best small town in America, is bringing a grand piece of history back to town:
The Phoenix Wheel, the oldest amusement wheel in existence.
The 132-year-old Phoenix Wheel delighted thousands of visitors to Asbury Park, the crown jewel of the Jersey Shore, for nearly a century from 1895 to 1988.
Next spring, the vintage amusement wheel will proudly rise again, as a 78-foot-high, 68-foot-wide permanent sculpture in the center of Phoenixville, the town that originally crafted the Wheel’s steel components.
The Schuylkill River Heritage Center (SRHC) is leading the effort to bring new life to the Wheel. In October, ground was cleared at the Wheel’s planned site, adjacent to the town’s Borough Hall. Re-assembly of the Wheel’s original steel components is currently underway.
After considering several locations in town for installation of the Phoenix Wheel, the SRHC chose a site adjacent to Phoenixville’s Township Building and the popular French Creek Trail.
Phoenixville Borough will oversee the site improvements, while local engineer Tom Zeigler and team member Gern Jaeger, owner of Specialty Metals will manage the Wheel’s restoration, reassembly, and installation.
The Wheel will be illuminated and its base surrounded by glass fencing. Interpretive signage will detail the Wheel’s storied history and recognize the support of donors.
“The Phoenix Wheel’s revival is more than just restoring an artifact,” said Barbara Cohen, President of the SRHC, a non-profit museum celebrating the industrial legacy of Phoenixville and the Schuylkill River. “It’s about community, heritage, resilience, and the power of
preserving Phoenixville’s unique history for future generations.”
Reassembly of the Wheel is expected to cost about $2 million in total. Donations to help raise $1 million to assist the effort can be made here.
About the Schuylkill River Heritage Center (SRHC)
As a gateway to local history in northern Chester County, Pa., the Schuylkill River Heritage Center highlights the Schuylkill River’s resources from Pottsville to Philadelphia, with historic artifacts, large murals, and interactive displays that showcase the industrial legacy of the river and of the former Phoenix Iron and Steel company.
The museum is housed in a highly acclaimed adaptive reuse of the original Phoenix Iron Company Foundry building built in 1882.
About Phoenixville
In June 2025, Travel + Leisure magazine named Phoenixville, Pa. the best small town to live in America.
Tucked near the banks of the Schuylkill River, Phoenixville played an important part in the American Revolution and evolved into a noteworthy and dynamic steel manufacturing center. The town has achieved renaissance status today with its vibrant melding of history, arts, culture, and dining.
For more information on the SRHC or on reconstruction of the Phoenix Wheel, contact:
Barbara Cohen, President
Schuylkill River Heritage Center
(610) 783-0645
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Sources Palace Museum Online: The Wheel Asbury Park Ferris wheel may rise again — but you’ll be surprised where Historic Ferris Wheel Returns to Phoenixville to Become 74-Foot Statue of Americana
