The Green-Wood Cemetery — Attraction in New York

My girlfriend and I planned a visit to Greenwood to enjoy seeing the trees in bloom for the springtime. Unfortunately, we were not permitted to enter, for reasons we are still confused and hurt by.

When driving up to the entrance in the car, we rolled down the window to ask the person on staff where we could park. When he spoke to us, he very rudely told us that we were not allowed to enter because of the way we were dressed. We were wearing formal dresses with our hair and makeup done up nicely, and nothing about our attire was indecent at all. Confused, we asked if there was a dress code in place. The staffperson curtly told us that according to the rules on the website, costumes were prohibited. We were dressed up of course, but certainly not wearing costumes. We told him that these were simply our clothes, and he actually rolled his eyes at us! Like "yeah, you dress like this every day." Of course we don't wear fancy dress every day. But we thought it would be nice to dress up a bit and take some photos together while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Apparently not.

We looked on the website, and confirmed that the only regulations regarding attire state that shirts and shoes are required, and costumes are not allowed. We know that our fancier attire may not be typical of the average daily visitor to the Cemetery, but we firmly believe that we abided by all the regulations. The Cemetery has for many years been welcoming to visitors from all walks of life, and has encouraged those who enjoy historical and historically inspired fashions to enjoy the space as well, even hosting specifically themed events. Despite all this, the staff made us feel embarrassed and discriminated against, and the way he spoke to us made us feel like he thought we were freaks. He didn't even apologize or offer any solution. We were shocked and upset by how we were treated, but it was clear that he would not let us enter under any circumstances. Rather than put up a fight, we decided to pick our battles and drive away.

When speaking to friends about our experience, we found that within the past year, many people we know who had previously enjoyed visits to the Cemetery without issue have now recently been experiencing similar treatment. Other friends of ours who were able to enter on foot were followed around and harassed by staff, to the point where they felt unwelcome and forced to leave. We are deeply troubled by this development in what used to be a very kind, peaceful, and welcoming location to visit.

We will not be returning to the Cemetery, and we strongly advise anyone who insists on visiting to dress as austerely as possible to avoid the wrath of power-tripping...

Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is far more than a resting place, it’s an expansive, living museum filled with historic monuments, natural beauty, and a quiet sense of reflection. Spanning over 478 acres, this National Historic Landmark is a peaceful escape from the city’s chaos, offering visitors a chance to explore rolling hills, tranquil ponds, and ornate mausoleums under the shade of centuries-old trees.

From the moment you pass through the impressive Gothic Revival gates, the cemetery’s unique blend of history and landscape architecture becomes apparent. Winding paths lead you to some of the most scenic spots in Brooklyn, including Battle Hill, the borough’s highest natural point, which offers sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The Victorian-era sculptures and detailed gravestones scattered throughout the grounds give the space a timeless, contemplative feel.

Green-Wood is also a treasure trove of American cultural history. It serves as the final resting place for notable figures like composer Leonard Bernstein, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and newspaper editor Horace Greeley. Each monument tells a story, and wandering the grounds feels like stepping through the pages of history. The cemetery even played a significant role in the Battle of Brooklyn during the Revolutionary War, adding another layer of depth to its already rich past.

For those interested in architecture and design, the catacombs and mausoleums showcase stunning craftsmanship, while the cemetery’s stained glass windows and elaborate carvings offer unexpected artistic beauty. Special trolley and walking tours are available and provide fascinating insights into the cemetery’s history, notable residents, and hidden corners, including access to areas typically closed to the public.

Plan your visit during autumn when the fall foliage transforms the cemetery into a colorful landscape, or visit in spring when the blooming flowers add vibrant life to the peaceful setting. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a quiet, contemplative space, Green-Wood Cemetery offers a beautiful and thought-provoking escape in the heart...

Beautiful place, but while the worker in the office was finding which box contained my beloved mother's ashes ( we decided to stay there for the 6 hours while she was cremated rather than leaving her to be sent back to us in Manhattan), he picked up each box containing someone else's loved one, popped them in the air to read the label, and then said "ah, there she is" and did a second little toss before shutting the metal cabinet. It was like something you'd do while searching inventory in a grocery store. I understand that these people work with remains every day and are used to it, but to do that in front of grieving family members was disgraceful. It makes me worried as to what happens when no one is around. I had just held my mom as she died in my arms 3 days before, and the memory of that moment with the Greenwood employee will stay with me for the rest of my life ( It was in June 2013, and still upsets me). Everyone else there was kind, but this was inexcusable. I would have addressed it then, if it hadn't been the worst few days of my life, and was trying to hold it together to support my sick father through this ( who also noticed and was visibly upset by it). It was bad enough to have my young. mother taken suddenly and very brutally by cancer; we did not need to see what remained of her treated so disrespectfully ( while we paid thousands for the "privilege). In addition, I understand that this cemetery is of historical significance, and understand the tours, but I think that some of the events that have spooky themes, fire throwers etc are in extremely bad taste given that peoples' loved ones are buried there. It isn't an amusement park. All of these reviews ( save one) seem to be from tourists enjoying gawking , yet not understanding that these aren't just the resting places of people from a hundred years ago, but now. Have some respect, and think about if it was you or your loved one's grave that you were snapping pics of. Low brow behavior, without...