The Death Café is inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café), an informal gathering to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought this concept to discussions of the most universal topic of all: death. Underwood’s intention was to provide an opportunity to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives.” Today, there are over 4,400 Death Cafes in 26 countries around the world.

With $3,000 hidden on his body and the backing of the Emergency Rescue Committee, Varian Fry flew from New York to Marseilles in August, 1940, to begin one of the least known, but most heroic actions of the twentieth century. Carrying a list of 200 luminaries in the fields of art, science, literature and medicine, Fry began his dangerous rescue of some of the world’s most famous artists who were then trapped in Nazi-occupied France. By the time he returned to New York a little over a year later, Fry had saved 2,000 souls, some famous, some unknown.

In the 21st-century, musicians love the unmatched acoustic quality of this unique studio of stone. Join Atlas Obscura and Green-Wood for the premiere of a series of curated concerts featuring artists specially selected to perform in this coveted setting. Without question, this will be New York City’s most unique musical experience.

A peaceful hush falls over Green-Wood each night. In the darkness, centuries-old monuments stand guard over those laid to permanently rest within. This year, Atlas Obscura and Green-Wood Cemetery are collaborating to present The Secret Mausoleum Club, as we open the cemetery’s historic gates and selected mausoleums for an extraordinary series of after-hours explorations through history.