The following announcement was provided by Mount Auburn Cemetery:
Mount Auburn Cemetery will celebrate the opening of two new walk-in entrances along Grove Street in Watertown, marking the next phase of an ongoing effort to make the nation’s first rural cemetery more welcoming and accessible to the public, including nearby Watertown and Cambridge communities.
Following last year’s milestone installation of Mount Auburn’s first pedestrian entrances in its nearly 200-year history along Mount Auburn Street—opposite Belmont Street, Aberdeen Avenue, Brattle Street, and Coolidge Avenue—the Cemetery now features seven total pedestrian entrances for visitors to experience its historic 175-acre landscape. The addition of two new entrances along Grove Street creates multiple year-round entry points open 365 days a year for visitors entering from Cambridge and Watertown.
The new entrances strengthen Mount Auburn’s connection with the Watertown community, improving neighborhood walkability and accessibility for nearby schools, businesses, and residents.
“These new entrances invite more residents to come in, take a walk, reflect, or join in the many programs that bring Mount Auburn’s nature, art, and history to life,” said Matthew Stephens, President and CEO of Mount Auburn Cemetery. “They reflect our ongoing commitment to open this landscape to more people and deepen our connection with the community.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Monday, November 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the newly installed walkway leading to the new Grove Street entrance. Officials from Watertown’s Atrium School, elected officials, Mount Auburn leadership and staff, and community members will gather to celebrate this latest step in expanding accessibility and inclusion.
“Mount Auburn Cemetery continues to be a leader in stewardship, beauty, and community engagement,” said George Proakis, City Manager of Watertown, Massachusetts. “This project makes one of Watertown’s most treasured landscapes more welcoming and accessible for all, benefiting our community today and for many years to come. The City is proud to support their vision and their continued great work.”
The custom-made entrances, designed by Boston architectural firm William Rawn Associates Architects, Inc., blend seamlessly with Mount Auburn’s historic character while introducing new plantings, bicycle parking, and thoughtfully designed walkways. These improvements also help alleviate congestion at the main Entrance on Mount Auburn Street, which serves as the primary access point for motor vehicles.
These new additions continue Mount Auburn’s work to create a more inviting and connected visitor experience, complementing the Cemetery’s year-round programming—from bird walks and horticultural tours to its signature winter event, SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light, returning this December with four new immersive artworks.
Founded in 1831 as a cemetery and designed landscape that combines the beauty of nature and art with commemoration and remembrance, Mount Auburn continues to fulfill its founding vision of being a place that welcomes all visitors. Nearly two centuries later, it continues as a National Historic Landmark and cherished cultural destination, inspiring more than 140,000 visitors each year.
Find additional information and upcoming programs at MountAuburn.org.
About Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery was established in 1831. Within a forested landscape nestled between Fresh Pond and the Charles River in Cambridge and Watertown, its founders created a new kind of cemetery—one where the bereaved could find solace and visitors from all walks of life would find inspiration. Home to more than 100,000 permanent residents, Mount Auburn welcomes more than 140,000 visitors each year and is open 365 days a year free of charge. Recognized as one of the most significant designed landscapes in the country, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark and led to the public parks movement in this country. www.mountauburn.org.