The transformation began with the legendary Rudolph Valentino.

This silent film icon, known as one of the earliest heartthrobs of cinema, rests in Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a final resting place for many famous individuals. After screening Valentino’s films, the cemetery noticed that his fans returned year after year to pay tribute to him following his unexpected passing in 1926 at the youthful age of 31.

This prompted the cemetery to consider hosting additional movie nights in honor of Hollywood legends like Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Mickey Rooney, Tyrone Power, and Douglas Fairbanks.

“We needed to get creative in generating revenue,” remarked Yogu Kanthiah, co-owner of Hollywood Forever, particularly after investing close to $20 million in restoring the cemetery’s mausoleums and grounds, which date back to 1899.

Hollywood Forever isn’t the only cemetery expanding its offerings beyond traditional tours and talks. In various cemeteries across the U.S., visitors can now enjoy movie screenings, community market days, concerts, art displays, and live performances. These spaces are even helping to reshape the dialogue surrounding death while injecting new life into areas typically associated solely with the departed.

Today, Hollywood Forever hosts not just movie nights that draw crowds of up to 3,800 people, but also music concerts, podcast recordings, literary events, and the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the United States, attracting 30,000 visitors in its 25th year.

Cemeteries Revived as Public Spaces

Sarah Chavez, executive director of The Order of the Good Death—a nonprofit established by mortician and author Caitlin Doughty—advocates for bringing awareness to end-of-life topics. Chavez emphasizes that death is a natural aspect of life.

Chavez noted that in the past, cemeteries served as public parks and tranquil retreats amidst expanding urban landscapes, where families could enjoy walks, picnics, and the beauty of nature. Their popularity was such that some cemeteries started requiring entry fees to manage visitor numbers.

“It’s both a return to tradition and an innovation” for cemeteries to regain their status as communal spaces, Chavez said. As a founder of the Death Positive Movement and host of the “Death in the Afternoon” podcast, she emphasized the renewed interest in these spaces.

“During the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, cemeteries were some of the safest places to be,” she reflected. “Many new visitors came to recognize their significance.”

At Hollywood Forever, employees from the nearby Paramount Studios often take walks through the cemetery during their breaks, enjoying the company of peacocks roaming the grounds, Kanthiah shared.

Markets, Art Exhibitions, Book Clubs, and More

Laurel Hill, a historic 265-acre cemetery and arboretum in Philadelphia, has become a popular spot for walking and hiking as it sits within a trail network, according to president and CEO Nancy Goldenberg.

Goldenberg shared that there’s a growing trend to reclaim cemeteries as public spaces, reminiscent of their past. Laurel Hill offers various community activities, including death cafes, book clubs, film screenings, and even therapeutic horticulture sessions to help individuals navigate grief.

This year, Laurel Hill’s annual Market of the Macabre, an outdoor celebration featuring over 80 local artists and vendors showcasing macabre and curious items, was a great success, attracting 5,000 visitors on a lovely September day.

Likewise, Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn serves as a historic green space, offering a peaceful refuge as the surrounding borough has become more urbanized over the years.

Harry Weil, who serves as the vice president for education and public programming at Green-Wood Cemetery, shared that while autumn tends to be a busy time for the cemetery, they do not organize Halloween-themed events.

“We conduct burials and cremations daily,” he stated. “We’re aiming to change how people perceive cemeteries. We want to move away from the idea of a sinister or spooky place. Our grounds are open for year-round engagement, from enjoying the natural beauty to experiencing art exhibits and dance performances.”

Green-Wood offers a variety of events, such as light displays on mausoleums and concerts located within its catacombs. The cemetery collaborates with local arts groups and features a signature event called Nightfall, where visitors can traverse illuminated paths and encounter musicians, storytellers, circus acts, and short films.

Additionally, it celebrates the Day of the Dead and Juneteenth and holds memorials for the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn.

A Place for Celebration and Remembrance in a Sacred Environment

Chavez from The Order of the Good Death mentioned that it’s often overlooked that cemeteries operate under “perpetual care practices.” This means families choose these sites because they trust that the grounds will be maintained and preserved for eternity.

Like Hollywood Forever and Green-Wood, Laurel Hill is an active cemetery where burials, funerals, and visits from families occur daily. Goldenberg highlighted three key aspects of its operations: providing eternal rest, the recreational use of the cemetery, and its historical significance in Philadelphia.

Goldenberg noted, “The more people we invite in, the more awareness is generated about our history.” She emphasized that increasing public engagement fosters an appreciation for the rich history embedded within the cemetery.

Weil mentioned that Green-Wood’s events are instrumental in attracting a new generation that values the cemetery’s significance: “As a cemetery reaches capacity over time, families may stop their visits. We need to find ways for the next generation to connect with and support this space.”

Respect and Reverence in a Unique Venue

Goldenberg, Weil, and Kanthiah all remarked that they have not faced any significant issues with disrespectful behavior from attendees. They noted that most visitors seem to grasp the importance of maintaining decorum in such a meaningful space.

The various events organized by Green-Wood assist in educating the public, with more luxurious activities helping to fund accessible and complimentary events for the broader community.

“We inform attendees that this is not Carnegie Hall,” Weil expressed. “It’s neither a conventional opera house nor an art museum.”

Nonetheless, he added, “The historical essence of a cemetery is to serve the living. It’s the living who determine the memorials and how frequently they visit. Our goal is to broaden who those living individuals are. Being considerate in our programming is crucial; we aim to approach our activities with respect.”

Kanthiah shared that some events—such as the annual tribute to Johnny Ramone, who rests there, and the significant Day of the Dead celebration—are festive, featuring food, music, and a spirit of joy that honors both the lives of the deceased and those living.

Goldenberg mentioned that Laurel Hill has documented oral histories from long-term residents in its surrounding neighborhood, which has seen extensive growth and transformation. These narratives have been incorporated into tours, featuring video and audio elements.

She’s encountered individuals who deliberately chose Laurel Hill because of its vibrant atmosphere: “They strongly advocate for the cemetery’s utilization; they appreciate witnessing life in this space.”

Chavez from The Order of the Good Death expresses a desire for broader understanding regarding different cultural perceptions about death. She stated, “If someone finds a certain practice or event undignified, I often question who gets to make that judgment. What defines dignity?”

She explained that various cultures celebrate the deceased through lively, fulfilling activities, asserting that eating together, making noise, and enjoying oneself can be respectful ways to commemorate the departed and foster healthy grieving processes.

She has also received feedback from individuals looking for cemeteries that cater to both the deceased and the living. “In death, people still seek connections to life, be it through nature or by engaging in events and celebrations.”