New Film Shows How Art Brings Life to Green-Wood Cemetery

"Green-Wood is not just a place to bury the dead," says Richard Moylan, President of Green-Wood Cemetery, "it is also a place to celebrate life.” In a new short by Unforgotten Films, Untapped New York's Artist-in-Residence Aaron Asis reveals the vitality of this historic Brooklyn burial ground, from its blooming flowers to its vibrant arts scene. The film explores the challenge that faces many of New York City's urban landmarks, balancing preservation and public engagement.

From the beginning, Green-Wood Cemetery has been a place where the living and the dead co-exist. Opened in 1838, it was considered Brooklyn's first public park—pre-dating Prospect Park by almost 30 years.

Covering nearly 500 acres, the site is home to roughly 570,000 interments. Around 1,200 new burials are added every year. But with space running out, what will happen to Green-Wood when burials stop?

Green-Wood Cemetery attracts live bodies to the site with a robust schedule of public programming and by playing an active role in New York City's cultural scene. Beyond cemetery tours that introduce you to its famous, infamous, and overlooked residents, Green-Wood also hosts unique experiences enhanced by the cemetery setting. Visitors can attend intimate, candlelit musical performances inside the catacombs, dance performances among the graves, and site-specific art installations inside the historic chapel.

“Creative activation has the ability to transcend conventional thinking…when we put history and art together we create new ways to connect with our city, our lives, and each other,” says Aaron Asis, Creator of Unforgotten Films.

Learn more about Green-Wood Cemetery's history and future by watching the entire short film here!