SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (WABC) — One of the oldest and biggest cemeteries in the world, boasting 21 miles of land, is getting a new visitor center.<\/p>\n
If you’re wondering why a cemetery in New York City would need one, it’s because Green-Wood Cemetery in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, is like no other.<\/p>\n
“It’s so rich, the history, it’s almost too much to absorb by walking through,” said Green-Wood Cemetery President Meera Joshi.<\/p>\n
More than half a million people visit each year, and the new visitor center will be right across from the iconic archways leading into what is the final resting place for many notable people.<\/p>\n
The most visited gravesite is the one for artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who died in 1988.<\/p>\n
“People visit Basquiat to remember how much we need to appreciate beauty and art as we have it because it can go away in a minute as well,” Joshi said.<\/p>\n
In the new exhibition gallery, you’ll learn so much more.<\/p>\n
Some of the artifacts are connected to those buried at Green-Wood, including the man who helped develop chewing gum, the man behind the curtain in “The Wizard of Oz,” three firefighters from Ladder Company 118 who died on 9-11, and John Matthews.<\/p>\n
“He invented seltzer, the origin of all of our soda water,” Meera said.<\/p>\n
Matthews passed away in 1870.<\/p>\n
The anchor of the center, a greenhouse, was once owned but the Weir family that was a flower shop. It now features a detailed tile map of the cemetery on the floor.<\/p>\n
“Now, we can actually provide people the full depth of programming and information and guided tours they really need and want,” Meera said.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1838, at the time, the cemetery was the area’s first park-like green space. It’s where folks would come to escape the buzz of the city.<\/p>\n
The center opens to the public this weekend as Green-Wood celebrates its 188th anniversary.<\/p>\n
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