Empire State Development Announces Opening of The Green-House Visitor Center at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn

$34 Million Education and Welcome Center Supported by $1.5 Million From Empire State Development

Restored Landmark Greenhouse Anchors New Visitor Hub Serving More Than Half a Million Visitors Annually

Event Photos Here

Empire State Development today announced the opening of the Green-House, Green-Wood Cemetery's new $34 million visitor center, located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The new facility will serve as the primary gateway for the more than half a million visitors who come to Green-Wood each year, offering educational programming, exhibition galleries, archival research access, and a welcoming space that brings the cemetery's nearly 200-year history to life. Construction was supported by $4.1 million in funding from New York State, including $2 million from the New York State Council on the Arts, $1.5 million from Empire State Development, and $600,000 from the State Legislature. The Green-House is free of charge and will be open from Thursday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting Saturday, April 18.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Cultural destinations like Green-Wood play an important role in attracting visitors, supporting nearby businesses, and strengthening local economies. The Green-House adds a new space for exhibitions, education, and visitor services while enhancing the overall experience at this historic Brooklyn landmark. By investing in projects that draw people to neighborhoods and encourage exploration, we are helping to drive tourism and support continued economic activity across the region."

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, "We are proud to support the restoration of the Green-House, a new education and welcome center at Green-Wood Cemetery and an important addition to one of New York's most fascinating destinations. This beautifully reimagined Victorian space with adjoining new construction will welcome visitors to gather and discover more about the 478 acres of spectacular architecture, breathtaking landscapes, exceptional educational programming, and impressive exhibitions found at Green-Wood. Investments like these are critical for the continued vitality of our state: they bring communities together, drive tourism, inspire learning, and deliver the measurable benefits of arts and culture to residents and visitors alike."

President of The Green-Wood Cemetery Meera Joshi said, "The Green-House opens the door to Green-Wood for a new generation of visitors while giving longtime fans, families, and neighbors a welcoming place to begin their visit. Just beyond the front gates, the Green-House will offer visitors a deeper understanding of Green-Wood's role as a place of remembrance, a historic landmark, and a green space that brings communities together, all before they step inside to experience it firsthand. Join us this weekend to be the first to get a glimpse."

Green-Wood Board Chair Peter W. Davidson said, "The opening of The Green-House marks a meaningful new chapter for Green-Wood Cemetery. This thoughtfully restored Victorian gem will offer maps, exhibits, research access, and programs for people of all ages, ones that enrich visits for newcomers and longtime community members alike. It promises to deepen connections to our shared history, landscapes, and stories for years to come."

New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor of The City University of New York, and William D. Rahm, CEO of Everview Partners, said, "With new exhibition space, research access, and educational programming, the Green-House will expand opportunities for New Yorkers to engage with Green-Wood's history and landscapes. The thoughtful restoration of the Victorian greenhouse preserves an important piece of the site's past while creating a resource for students, families, and visitors. Projects like this ensure cultural institutions continue to serve as places for learning, reflection, and community connection."

Established in 1838, Green-Wood is one of New York City's oldest and most storied institutions - a 478-acre National Historic Landmark that draws more than half a million visitors each year to its sweeping grounds, world-class statuary, and the permanent resting places of Leonard Bernstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Susan McKinney Steward, among others. At the heart of the new visitor center stands the fully restored 1895 Weir Greenhouse, a rare surviving example of Victorian-era architecture and a designated New York City Landmark, wrapped in LEED-Gold-certified new construction by Architecture Research Office (ARO) - an L-shaped structure clad in glazed terra cotta with a sculpted green roof that honors the site's historic character while embracing the standards of a modern, sustainable institution.

Inside the Green-House, visitors can access a range of resources and experiences designed to enhance their visit. Staff are available to provide complimentary maps and guidance on exploring the grounds, while immersive digital displays highlight the cemetery's landscapes, monuments, and natural features. The space also includes exhibition galleries showcasing artwork, artifacts, and storytelling elements that reflect Green-Wood's history, as well as a dedicated gallery currently featuring an installation by artist Jean Shin. Additional amenities include a modern classroom for educational programming, a research center with access to historical records dating back to 1838, and digital kiosks that allow visitors to locate burial sites throughout the Cemetery.

The Green-Wood Cemetery is a nationally recognized destination that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Its historic significance, expansive landscapes, and dynamic programming continue to attract New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. Through the ongoing work of the Green-Wood Historic Fund, the site's architectural, cultural, and natural assets are preserved and activated through public programming, including tours, exhibitions, and seasonal events. As Green-Wood continues to evolve, it remains a vital cultural institution-supporting local jobs, strengthening the visitor economy, and enriching New York City's broader arts and heritage landscape.

About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

Contact:
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