Green-Wood Cemetery is a National Landmark and it should be. The rolling hills and beautiful landscape make this cemetery feel like a relaxing garden, rather than something that's in any way morbid. Looking at the design of the many mausoleums is like seeing a who's who of Victorian architecture. The cemetery contains the graves of an array of famous people including Basquiat and Louis Comfort Tiffany, a beautiful selection of flowering trees and manicured ponds and offers a commanding view of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. It is beautiful in every season. I have gone there for all of them and will return again and again.
Beautiful cemetery that has the highest point in Brooklyn. It is a huge area and has interesting markers and walking paths. Don't forget to bring a baseball to leave on the grave of Henry Chadwick, credited with creating baseball as we know it.
Of GREAT historical significance. My Father and other great leaders are buried there. In this midst of a busy city, this spot in nature and tranquility is unique. Lovely and so large... I'm lost and going round in circles... but loving it!
I was so blown away by Green Wood Cemetary that I came back everyday to walk through it during my 5 days trip to Brooklyn. In fact, I booked my hotel nearby so that I could do that. Each time I saw something new. It truly is the most stunning mix of nature and architecture. I also went on one of the trolley tours which I would highly recommend. Our guide was incredible with so much knowledge about the land where the cemetary is - from its role in the revolutionary war, to why Green Wood was created in the first place, how they marketed it, who is buried there and why the gravestones are designed the way they are. I plan to go back as there's still so much more for me to see and learn about.
My friend and I visited Brooklyn for several days in January to do some genealogy research, so of course Green-wood Cemetery was on our itinerary. We took the trolley tour, booking it online in advance -- the cemetery actually offers three different tours -- that's how much there is to see -- and our tour was the general one. It was fascinating, covering both historical events, such as the Revolutionary War Battle of Brooklyn, the history of Brooklyn and New York, the graves of famous and well-known people, including of Henry Bergh, the founder of the ASPCA, and architectural gems among the graves, as well as quirky ones. Our guide was Marge Raymond, and she was truly outstanding -- you will learn so much from her and be thoroughly entertained as well. This was the first thing we did when we got to Brooklyn, and it set a wonderful tone for our trip. Green-wood was very pretty when we visited this month, and I can only imagine how beautiful it is in the spring and summer.
If you have more than a few extra days, it's worth a visit. Especially on a nice day. The history is amazing.
May seem strange to visit a cemetery like you're visiting a park, but this cemetery is so beautiful, so peaceful, so magical, it would be a shame not to. We've taken our daughter here since she was a toddler. It's a lovely place to walk. any time of year.
Seriously. This place is great. But allow yourself time to get lost, even if you don't plan to. I went because I read it was pretty. Google maps sent me to a seasonal entrance on the far side of a nearly 500 acre cemetery. I had time, so took it in stride...literally. I walked around the perimeter, stopping for photos, chatting with locals about "the park", looking at old train cars. Got to the entrance and was famished, so went over to Korvo's for Eastern European food (just a few blocks away, and delish). You could very feasibly walk through to the cemetery without speaking to a gateman. DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE. Get a map. If not, you will instantly get lost and regret ever stepping foot outside of your home. I hadn't done much research so was surprised to see that I knew a few names. While I told the gate guy that I'd only be 20 minutes, I probably spent an hour tracking down Boss Tweed and Basquiat. The cemetery is hilly, offering varied views of the city. Varied types of markers and mausoleums. Just don't, DON'T, lose the map.
Green-Wood Cemetery is a destination everyone should plan to visit once (whether you live in Brooklyn or are simply here for a visit). I live nearby and visit regularly to bird.For first timers it's probably wise to sign up for one of the many year round tours: all are brilliantly narrated by entertaining, deeply informed guides. The history at rest in GW cemetery is as rich and thrilling to hear told as any novel or mystery masterpiece. Former governors, magnates of industry, cultural icons as well as US Revolutionary, Civil War and more recent war veterans are buried here and their stories told. Green-Wood predates New York's premier parks - (Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Central Park in Manhattan) - it was the go-to place for many tourists and residents out for a weekend stroll or carriage ride in the early 19th Century. Officially designated an arboretum, the inventory of trees here is astonishing - Tulip, Magnolia, Oak, Maple, Beech - you name it, it's probably here; many are as old or older than the cemetery itself.
Wonderful place if you're in the mood for walking around, enjoying silence and nature and wonderful architecture and sculptures