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Woodlawn Cemetery: A Bronx Oasis of History and Art

Explore history, art, and nature at Woodlawn Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark and final resting place of notable figures in the Bronx.

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Woodlawn Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark in the Bronx, is more than a burial ground; it's a 400-acre outdoor museum and arboretum. Established in 1863, it's the final resting place for over 300,000 individuals, including notable figures in arts, music, and business, set amidst stunning monuments and landscapes.

A brief summary to Woodlawn Cemetery • Conservancy

  • Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Pick up a map at the Webster Avenue entrance to help navigate the vast grounds and locate specific gravesites.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the cemetery's history, art, and notable residents.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Check the Woodlawn Conservancy's website for upcoming events, including themed tours and lectures.
  • Out of respect for the families, request a photography form at the administration office if you intend to take photos.
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Getting There

  • Subway

    From Midtown Manhattan, take the 4 train (Lexington Avenue Express or local) to the Woodlawn station, the last stop on the line. The Jerome Avenue entrance is about a half block from the station's base. Alternatively, take the 2 or 5 train to the 233rd Street Station, walk three blocks downhill along 233rd Street, and cross over Webster Avenue to reach the cemetery entrance. A single subway ride costs $2.90.

  • Metro-North Railroad

    From Grand Central Terminal, take the Harlem Line local train (North White Plains) to the Woodlawn Station. Upon exiting the station, turn right; the cemetery's Webster Avenue office is across the street to the left. A one-way peak fare from Grand Central to Woodlawn is typically around $8.75.

  • Bus

    Several bus lines stop near Woodlawn Cemetery, including the 4, BX16, BX34, and BXM4. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. A single bus fare is $2.90.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Midtown Manhattan, a taxi or ride-sharing service to Woodlawn Cemetery will cost approximately $40-$60, depending on traffic. Be sure to specify the Webster Avenue entrance to your driver.

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Discover more about Woodlawn Cemetery • Conservancy

Woodlawn Cemetery, located in the Bronx, New York City, is a captivating blend of history, art, and nature. Established in 1863, this non-sectarian cemetery spans over 400 acres and serves as the final resting place for more than 300,000 individuals. Woodlawn is not only one of the largest cemeteries in New York City but also a designated National Historic Landmark, recognized for its transition from the rural cemetery style to a more orderly 20th-century design. The cemetery's grounds resemble a park, with rolling hills and tree-lined roads leading to impressive memorials, many designed by renowned architects and sculptors. Visitors can explore masterworks by McKim, Mead & White, John Russell Pope, and others. The natural environment is equally impressive, boasting over 140 varieties of trees and serving as a refuge for local wildlife. Woodlawn is the final resting place for numerous famous figures, representing a broad spectrum of American history and culture. Among those interred here are musicians like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis, authors such as Herman Melville and Nellie Bly, business leaders like J.C. Penney and Madam C.J. Walker, and civic leaders like Robert Moses. The cemetery offers guided tours and events that educate and connect the past with the present. These tours often highlight the notable residents and the stunning art and architecture found throughout the grounds.

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