Event Series Secrets in Stone

Secrets in Stone

There is a secret language at Green-Wood that’s etched upon the monuments: cemetery symbology. Learn the meaning of the inverted torch, bales of wheat, and an hourglass with wins, along with those that are a bit more difficult to decipher. This eye-opening walking tour will showcase the meaning of these eternal, but sometimes cryptic, images.

Secrets in Stone (Sold Out)

There is a secret language at Green-Wood that’s etched upon the monuments: cemetery symbology. Learn the meaning of the inverted torch, bales of wheat, and an hourglass with wins, along with those that are a bit more difficult to decipher. This eye-opening walking tour will showcase the meaning of these eternal, but sometimes cryptic, images.

Green-Wood at Night (Sold Out)

Have you ever been curious to experience what Green-Wood is like after the gates have closed to the public? Well here's your chance! Discover intriguing tombstones and the cemetery's unforgettable Catacombs under the cover of night.

An Inquiry into End-of-Life Experiences: Film Screening and Q&A

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Five years ago, artist Leigh Davis had a strange and profound experience at the deathbed of a family member. Since then, she has worked to create a body of work examining unusual phenomena reported to happen around the time of a death. They include premonitions, seeing a golden light, chills or an unexplained warmth, and sudden lucidity. Davis has recorded over 20 end-of-life experiences through interviews with hospice nurses, chaplains, social scientists, therapists and family members.

Day of the Dead Family Program

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Discover the rich history and traditions associated with the Mexican holiday Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) through crafts and storytelling for families with kids of all ages. Celebrated throughout Mexico from October 31 to November 2, this holiday is time for family and friends to commemorate departed loved ones through prayer, altars, music, dance, and food.

Making an Exit: From the Magnificent to the Macabre

Author and journalist Sarah Murray never gave much thought to what might happen to her remains – until her father died. While he’d always insisted his “organic matter” would have no significance, he surprised the family by leaving detailed arrangements for the disposal of his ashes. His last request prompted Sarah to explore how – across centuries and cultures – humans have built memorials to their lives. Sarah will share stories, photos, and insights from her book Making an Exit: From the Magnificent to the Macabre – How We Dignify the Dead, which documents her journeys across the world on a very personal quest: seeking inspiration for her own eventual send-off.

Blessing the Altar with Indigenous Music and Songs of Central America: Cetilizti Nauchampa Quetzacoalt In Ixachiltlan

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Border Crossings: This and Other Worlds (November 2-4), a three-day series of programs, performances, and installations that takes inspiration from global practices of honoring those who are no longer with us-e.g., El Dia de Los Muertos (the Mexican "Day of the Dead"); the Buddhist and Taoist "Ghost Festival" of Zhong Yuan Jie; the Christian holiday of All Souls Day; and Qingming or "Tomb Sweeping Day," a traditional Chinese celebration.

Cremation: History and Modern Process

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

This engaging and sometimes light-hearted exploration will touch on how to choose an end-of-life mode of disposition that expresses your own beliefs and values. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to visit the crematory with Gema LaBoccetta, Green-Wood's Crematory Manager, then chat with Amy and other attendees at a short reception.

Event Series Twilight Tour

Twilight Tour

There are few places more atmospheric than a cemetery at dusk - and Green-Wood is top notch when it comes to beauty and atmosphere. As the sun sets on 478 spectacular acres, you'll weave through stunning landscapes and visit the graves of fascinating figures in New York and American history. This not-to-be-missed walking tour ends with a visit to the Catacombs, which are normally closed to the public.

Crossing Borders: Displacement and Transcendence

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Border Crossings: This and Other Worlds (November 2-4), a three-day series of programs, performances, and installations that takes inspiration from global practices of honoring those who are no longer with us-e.g., El Dia de Los Muertos (the Mexican "Day of the Dead"); the Buddhist and Taoist "Ghost Festival" of Zhong Yuan Jie; the Christian holiday of All Souls Day; and Qingming or "Tomb Sweeping Day," a traditional Chinese celebration.

Green-Wood’s public programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, as well as the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.