Green-Wood Cemetery
Green-Wood Cemetery is much more than just a burial ground in the heart of Brooklyn: it’s an oasis of history, nature, and art, a place where serenity contrasts with the pace of New York City. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, this vast space of nearly 200 hectares combines rolling landscapes, impressive architecture, and the stories of notable figures who rest here. 🌳
Located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, Green-Wood is a must-visit for those seeking a different kind of experience in the city. Whether exploring its historic monuments, enjoying its arboretum, or simply seeking peace, its unique atmosphere makes it an unforgettable destination that blends history, nature, and urban culture. 🏛️
Why Visit Green-Wood Cemetery?
Visiting Green-Wood means immersing yourself in a fascinating chapter of New York and American history. It is a legendary place that combines scenic beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness. Inventors, artists, politicians, and famous figures rest here, surrounded by exceptional funerary architecture and carefully preserved nature. 🌲
Its cultural importance is undeniable: it was one of America’s first rural cemeteries and became a tourist attraction almost immediately after its founding in 1838. Figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Leonard Bernstein, “Boss” Tweed, and Samuel Morse are buried here. Furthermore, its majestic Neo-Gothic entrance gates and chapel are architectural gems. ⛪
Green-Wood is also a symbol of conservation and a living space. It functions as an accredited arboretum, home to centuries-old trees and diverse wildlife, including the famous monk parakeets. Additionally, it hosts cultural events, historical tours, and art exhibitions, proving it is much more than an eternal resting place. It is a landscape and cultural treasure right in Brooklyn. ✨
How to Get to Green-Wood Cemetery by Subway?
Main Stations
The main station providing direct access to Green-Wood’s main entrance (the iconic Neo-Gothic gate at 5th Avenue and 25th Street) is 25 St. This station, served by the R train, drops you right in front of the cemetery’s most monumental entrance. 🚇
Subway Lines to Green-Wood
Green-Wood is well-connected by the New York City subway. The lines that take you directly to or very close to its entrances are:
- R (Yellow/Orange line, local) – Stops at 25 St (main entrance)
- D, N (Orange/Yellow lines, express) – Stop at 36 St (near the west/north entrance)
How to Get to Green-Wood From:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are near Central Park or Columbus Circle, the most direct way is to take the southbound R train (towards Brooklyn) from stations like 57 St-7 Av or 49 St, and get off at 25 St.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or the World Trade Center, you can take the southbound R train (towards Brooklyn) from stations like Cortlandt St or Rector St, and get off directly at 25 St.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO or Downtown Brooklyn, you can catch the southbound R train at stations like Jay St-MetroTech or Court St, to 25 St. From Williamsburg, you can take the G train to 4 Av-9 St and transfer to the R train (one stop south to 25 St).
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If you’re coming from Long Island City, you can take the southbound R train from Queens Plaza or the N train from Queensboro Plaza to 36 St in Brooklyn. From Flushing, take the 7 train to Times Sq-42 St and transfer to the southbound R train to 25 St.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can take the southbound D train to 36 St in Brooklyn. From there, you can walk about 10-15 minutes to the main or west entrance.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Jamaica and then the E train to 7 Av, transfer to the D train to 36 St. From LaGuardia (LGA), take the Q70-SBS bus to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and transfer to the R train to 25 St. From Newark (EWR), take the AirTrain and NJ Transit to Penn Station, and then the D train to 36 St.
What to Do at Green-Wood Cemetery?
Green-Wood is a vast place full of surprises, offering much more than just a simple walk. You can spend hours exploring its history, enjoying its natural beauty, and discovering its hidden treasures. It’s a perfect place for contemplation, learning, and connecting with New York’s past. 🚶♂️
Stroll Through its Paths and Hills 🌳
Take time to wander aimlessly through its more than 478 acres (193 hectares) of rolling terrain. Discover its serene lakes (like Sylvan Water or Dell Water), its paths lined with centuries-old trees, and its hills offering unexpected views. Every corner has its own charm and peaceful atmosphere. 😌
Discover Historic Graves and Monuments 🏛️
Look for the graves of famous figures who helped shape New York and the world. From artists like Basquiat to inventors like Morse, to political figures and war heroes. Admire the incredible variety of monuments, from modest headstones to elaborate mausoleums and allegorical sculptures. You can get maps at the entrance to locate specific graves. 🗺️
Admire the Architecture and Art
Don’t miss the impressive Neo-Gothic Entrance Gates designed by Richard Upjohn. Visit the Green-Wood Chapel, designed by Warren & Wetmore (the same architects as Grand Central Terminal). Additionally, the cemetery often hosts contemporary art installations that engage with the historical surroundings. 🎨
Participate in Tours and Special Events 🚶♀️
Green-Wood offers a wide range of guided tours: historical, architectural, nature (excellent for bird watching!), and even trolley tours to cover more ground. Check their event calendar, as they organize concerts (like the famous Memorial Day concert), film screenings, Halloween events, and much more. 📅
Enjoy the Panoramic Views and Nature 📸
Climb Battle Hill, the highest natural point in Brooklyn and a key site in the Battle of Long Island in 1776. From there, the views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline are spectacular. Additionally, Green-Wood is a haven for wildlife; bring binoculars if you enjoy bird watching, especially the famous monk parakeets! 🐦
Attractions Near Green-Wood Cemetery
Located in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, Green-Wood Cemetery is surrounded by interesting neighborhoods and other attractions worth exploring. Take advantage of your visit to discover more of what this area of New York City has to offer.
Sunset Park 🌇
Just west of the cemetery lies the park that gives the neighborhood its name, Sunset Park. It’s famous for its incredible sunset views over Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the harbor. The surrounding neighborhood is known for its vibrant Latino and Asian communities, offering a fantastic food scene, especially along 8th Avenue (Brooklyn’s Chinatown). 🍜
Industry City 🏭
A short distance from Green-Wood, in Sunset Park, you’ll find Industry City. This complex of former industrial warehouses has been revitalized and now houses a vibrant hub of creativity, design, shops, artisan workshops, and an incredible variety of dining options in its food halls and restaurants. It’s a great place to explore, shop, and eat. 🍽️
Park Slope 🏘️
To the northeast of Green-Wood lies the charming neighborhood of Park Slope. Known for its beautiful tree-lined streets flanked by brownstones, independent boutiques, bookstores, cozy cafes, and restaurants. It’s an ideal place for a stroll and enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere. ☕
Prospect Park 🌳
Designed by the same landscape architects as Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s great green lung. It offers vast meadows (Long Meadow), a lake, the Prospect Park Zoo, and is adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum. It’s perfect for an additional walk or a picnic. 🧺
Brooklyn Museum 🖼️
Located on the eastern edge of Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest and most important art museums in the United States. Its collection spans from ancient Egypt to contemporary art, with significant holdings of American, African, and feminist art. An essential cultural visit if you’re in the area. ✨
Gowanus Canal and Surroundings 🛶
North of Green-Wood is the Gowanus neighborhood, centered around the historic (and currently undergoing cleanup) Gowanus Canal. This formerly industrial area is undergoing a transformation, with a growing arts scene, unique bars, live music venues, and interesting restaurants. It has a distinctive, edgy character. 🧑🎤
Tips for Visiting Green-Wood Cemetery
Visiting Green-Wood is a unique and enriching experience. To make the most of your visit to this vast and historic place, keep some practical tips and etiquette in mind.
Best Time of Year and Day to Go ☀️🍂
Green-Wood is beautiful year-round, but spring (when the trees are blooming 🌸) and fall (with the colorful foliage 🍁) are particularly spectacular. Visiting in the morning usually ensures more tranquility and better light for photos. Weekends can be busier, especially if there are tours or events. Always check the opening hours, as they vary by season.
Plan Your Visit and Respect the Place 🙏
Due to its huge size (478 acres!), getting a free map at the entrance or downloading one beforehand from their website is recommended. Decide which areas or graves interest you most if you have limited time. Remember that Green-Wood is an active cemetery and a place of rest. Keep your voice down, be respectful of graves and monuments, and follow the site’s rules (e.g., no picnicking on gravesites).
Navigation and Accessibility ♿
Be prepared to do a lot of walking, as the terrain is extensive and hilly. The main roads are paved, but many paths are dirt or gravel and can be uneven. Driving into the cemetery is permitted (following speed and parking rules), which can be helpful for visitors with limited mobility. Check the official website for detailed accessibility information.
What to Bring and What Not to Bring 👟💧
Wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential. Bring water, especially in the summer, as it can get hot and there aren’t many water fountains. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended on sunny days. A camera 📸 is ideal for capturing the beauty of the place. If you’re interested in bird watching, don’t forget your binoculars 🐦. Dress respectfully. Pets (except service animals) and bicycles on interior paths (allowed only on main roads) are generally not permitted. Picnics are allowed in designated areas, but never on gravesites.
