As a longtime New Yorker and lover of all the strange & unusual sights the city has to offer, I have wandered past New York Marble Cemetery many a time while in the East Village, and I've always longed to go inside, so curious to see what exactly was behind the gate on Second Avenue.
Today, I finally had my chance. The cemetery is typically open to the public only one day per month, and only for four hours on that one day! An exclusive experience, and one that is worth marking your calendar for.
The grounds are maintained as a lush green garden - there are benches and beautiful trees for shade. I saw a few folks picnicking during my visit, and I wished I'd thought to do the same - the surroundings are vibrant and peaceful - a rare moment of quiet in the hubbub of the area.
Along the North and South Walls of the cemetery are plaques which list the names of vault owners within the cemetery - when it was built, there were concerns over Yellow Fever which has ravaged the city several times. In-ground burials were illegal except when in a stone vault.
The plaques here have been eroded a bit, but some are still quite legible, and they are surrounded by beautifully restored stonework and gorgeous greenery.
Nearby in the East Village, there are lots of great things to see, to make a whole East Village afternoon or day in your travel itinerary - some of my favorites are Tompkins Square Park, Burp Castle (a monastery-themed bar where you are not allowed to speak above a whisper), First Street Green Park (incredible, ever-changing graffiti), Halloween Adventure (a year-round costume shop) and Trash & Vaudeville (iconic punk rock clothing shop).
Check the website for open-to-the-public dates!
