Where Brooklyn’s Elite Rest… Dramatically
Beneath Green-Wood Cemetery’s rolling hills lies a network of Gothic catacombs—the only ones in NYC. Built in the 1850s as a “solution” to overcrowded cemeteries, these eerie vaults housed wealthy families in marble alcoves lit by stained glass. Today, they’re a hauntingly beautiful secret, accessible only on guided tours.
A Subterranean Art Gallery
The catacombs’ 30 vaults are a mashup of Egyptian Revival and Romanesque styles, with names like “The Chapel of the Angels” and “The Twilight Crypt.” Look for symbols: carved lilies (purity), upside-down torches (extinguished life), and one alcove with a secret door leading… nowhere
How to Explore (Without Getting Spooked)
Tours: Book the $25 “Catacombs Tour” on Green-Wood’s website—sells out weeks ahead.
Photo Rules: No flash, but long exposures capture the ethereal light.
Pair It: Visit the cemetery’s Battle Hill for Revolutionary War history and skyline views.
Pro Tips from a Tombstone Tourist
Celebrity Neighbors: The catacombs’ residents include piano maker Henry Steinway and “The Father of Baseball” Henry Chadwick.
Halloween Magic: October tours include spooky tales of “The Lady in White,” a rumored ghost.
Hidden Art: The “Weeping Angel” sculpture near the entrance is a Victorian masterpiece.
Why Green-Wood’s Catacombs Matter
They’re a memento mori for NYC—a reminder that even the grandest lives end, but beauty remains.
Visitor Intel
Address: 500 25th St, Brooklyn
Tours: Select weekends; check green-wood.com
Price: $25 (includes cemetery map)
Closest Subway: 25th St (R line)
Ready to Meet Brooklyn’s Underground Elite?
Just watch your step—the Victorians loved dramatic shadows.
