It is true that Mount Auburn is first and foremost a cemetery, but it is also a National Historic Landmark, a botanical garden, an outdoor museum of art and architecture, and an important habitat for urban wildlife. Attend one of our many events and discover for yourself what makes this place so special!
Funding for programs has been provided in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Writing epistolary poems—poems that take the form of letters—addressing a specific person or entity (even if—sometimes especially if—there’s no hope of reply) can focus our attention and lead to surprising insights about ourselves and the world. In this generative workshop, we’ll read some example poems, jumpstart our own poems with prompts and observations of the […]
“…It is the duty of the living thus to provide for the dead. It is not a mere office of pious regard for others; but it comes home to our own bosoms, as those who are soon to enter upon the common inheritance.” ~Joseph Story, Mount Auburn Cemetery Consecration address, 1831 For nearly two hundred years, […]
“Mosses and other small beings issue an invitation to dwell for a time right at the limits of ordinary perception. All it requires of us is attentiveness. Look in a certain way and a whole new world can be revealed.” — Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer Join Artist-in-Residence Resa Blatman for an informal pop-up exhibit at Bigelow […]
Join 2023-2024 Artist-in-Residence, Eden Rayz (she/her), and end-of-life support person Madelaine Ripley (they/them) for a musical death awareness meditation centered around the concept of "nothingness." The experience will begin with a brief explanation of the history and cultural significance of death awareness meditations then shift to a guided group meditation. Eden will perform with part of her new instrument, […]
“Mosses and other small beings issue an invitation to dwell for a time right at the limits of ordinary perception. All it requires of us is attentiveness. Look in a certain way and a whole new world can be revealed.” — Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer Join Artist-in-Residence Resa Blatman for an informal pop-up exhibit at Bigelow […]
Mount Auburn, designated a National Historic Landmark, is one of the country’s most significant designed landscapes. Here the arts of horticulture, architecture and sculpture combine with the beauty of nature to create a place of comfort and inspiration. This 1.5-mile walking tour will focus on stories of history, monuments, and the lives of those buried […]
Writing while grieving has been known to boost the immune system and increase mood and well-being. Writing can also help release difficult emotions and is a tool for self-expression. Join poet, educator, and artivist Amanda Shea in a poetry writing workshop about healing from grief. The workshop will include a meditation, writing prompts, and an invitation to […]
Join poet and Artist-in-Residence, Carolyn Oliver, for a celebratory outdoor reading of poems composed during her residency. We will begin in Bigelow Chapel with an introduction and brief Q&A between Carolyn and Public Events Producer, Julie-Anne Whitney. Then we’ll make our way outdoors together for a multi-stop reading tour during which Carolyn will read several poems […]
Join us for a spring bird walk searching for both migrant and breeding birds. Bring your binoculars and field guides. All skill levels welcome. Led by Jeremiah Trimble, Curatorial Associate, Ornithology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University Thursdays at 6:45 AM: April 18 & 25, May 2, 9, 16 & 23 Check-in will be on […]
Musician and author David Rothenberg has long explored live performance together with the sounds of nature, from nightingales to humpback whales to cicadas. David will make “music with nature” at two performances at Mount Auburn Cemetery this spring. On April 20th at dawn, he will play with a chorus of singing birds at Consecration Dell*, using his clarinet and some live electronic sounds. At dusk that same day, he will […]