Mount Auburn Cemetery

Overview of the Historic 175-Acre Garden Cemetery

This beautiful and peaceful 175-acre cemetery, opened in 1831, was the country's first "garden cemetery." It is renowned for its artwork, sculptures, and gorgeous landscaping. Additionally, it holds the title of a National Historic Landmark. Some notable individuals interred here include Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Mary Baker Eddy, Winslow Homer, Amy Lowell, Isabella Stewart Gardner, and architect Charles Bulfinch.

Noteworthy Features

The cemetery boasts intricate gravestones and an array of flora and fauna. The Massachusetts Audubon Society has designated it an Important Bird Area, especially noted for its warbler species. A significant structure within the cemetery is the 62-foot-tall Washington Tower. Positioned at the highest point, it provides stunning views of Cambridge and Boston.

Visitor Information

With more than 60,000 monuments, visitors are encouraged to pick up a brochure or an audio guide (available for a fee) at the cemetery's visitor center. Alternatively, you can download the cemetery's free app from Google or Apple’s app store to learn the stories behind its fascinating structures. Visitors have praised the cemetery as "fantastic" and described it as "an amazing arboretum, birder's paradise, and history museum" all in one.

Accessibility and Amenities

The cemetery's gates are open to the public every day of the year, though hours vary by season. Admission is free. The cemetery is located on Mount Auburn Street, just off Storrow Drive. The grounds are equipped with restrooms, water fountains, and bike racks. Parking is allowed on any roads without a Green Line. The closest subway stop is Harvard Square, which is about a 25-minute walk east of the cemetery. For more information, visit the cemetery's website.