There is a Norwegian saying that can be translated to “A dear child has many names.” The same applies to this 1937 urinal, referred to not only as “the Carousel of Love” (or Kjærlighetskarusellen in Norwegian) but also as “the Wheel of Fortune,” “the Round Barrel,” “the Mushroom,” and “the Umbrella.” This variety in names reflects its role as a gathering place for homosexual men during a time when homosexuality was socially unacceptable and illegal in Norway. The Carousel of Love served as an important meeting place for gay men…
