Mount Vernon Cemetery

Mount Vernon Cemetery Philadelphia: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Mount Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia stands as a poignant testament to the city’s layered history, blending Victorian-era cemetery design, monumental funerary art, and the evolving story of urban stewardship. Established in 1856 as a garden cemetery during the rural cemetery movement, Mount Vernon was envisioned as a tranquil refuge from the city’s bustle—a place where natural beauty met the grandeur of memorial architecture and where generations of Philadelphians would come to remember and reflect. Despite periods of neglect, legal disputes, and challenges in management, today, Mount Vernon is experiencing renewed attention and restoration, fueled by local preservationists, new ownership, and strong community engagement.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for visitors, including up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticket policies, accessibility, travel tips, notable monuments, and volunteer opportunities. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a genealogist, or simply seeking a unique urban green space, Mount Vernon Cemetery offers a meaningful and evolving experience.

Introduction
History and Cultural Significance
Architectural and Landscape Features
Visiting Information
On-Site Experience
Notable Monuments and Historical Figures
Guided Tours, Volunteering, and Community Events
Safety and Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Future Developments
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Entrance to Mount Vernon Cemetery with stone pillars and a gate

Gardel Memorial at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia

Gardel Memorial at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia

Gardel Monument in Mount Vernon engraved with names

Historic Mount Vernon Cemetery with old gravestones and trees

Historic Mt. Vernon Cemetery with rows of old tombstones and mature trees

Introduction

Mount Vernon Cemetery, located at 3499 West Lehigh Avenue in Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood, is a historic and culturally significant site. Home to approximately 33,000 burials—including Civil War veterans, Revolutionary soldiers, and the famed Barrymore acting family—the cemetery offers a unique lens into Philadelphia’s past and present. Its overgrown landscape, striking monuments, and ongoing restoration make it an evocative destination for exploration, learning, and community involvement (Friends of Mount Vernon Cemetery, The Philadelphia Inquirer).

History and Cultural Significance

Founding and Early Development

Founded in 1856, Mount Vernon Cemetery was created during the rural cemetery movement, which promoted park-like burial grounds outside crowded city centers. Inspired by Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts, Mount Vernon was designed with winding paths, mature trees, and grand monuments, encouraging both remembrance and public enjoyment (philadelphia.today).

Mount Vernon is the final resting place for a diverse array of Philadelphians—artists, military veterans, civic leaders, and members of the Drew and Barrymore families. Its monuments reflect the aspirations and achievements of the 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as both public art and private memorials (philly.curbed.com).

Decline and Preservation

By the mid-20th century, changes in burial practices and suburbanization led to neglect, overgrowth, and management struggles. Legal interventions and community advocacy have since sought to protect and restore the site, with the Steelmantown Cemetery Company assuming stewardship in 2025 to implement green and hybrid burial practices (The Philadelphia Inquirer, Hidden City Philadelphia).

Architectural and Landscape Features

Mount Vernon exemplifies Victorian rural cemetery design. The grounds feature curving lanes, dramatic vistas, mature trees, and elaborate monuments. Notable structures include the imposing John Notman-designed gatehouse (1858) and the pyramidal Gardel Monument, a masterpiece of 19th-century funerary art (SAH Archipedia). The landscape, while overgrown, provides vital urban wildlife habitat and a contemplative green oasis.

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

As of July 2025, Mount Vernon Cemetery is not open for regular public visitation. Access is limited to scheduled volunteer days, guided tours, or by appointment for those with family connections. There are currently no general admission tickets or standard visiting hours. The new ownership aims to open the cemetery to the public on a regular basis within the next year (NW Local Paper, The Philadelphia Inquirer).

Stay informed by following the Friends of Mount Vernon Cemetery website, Instagram page, and the Steelmantown Cemetery Company for updates on open hours and events.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

Public Transit: SEPTA bus routes serve the East Falls area; check schedules for stops near Lehigh Avenue.
By Car: Limited street parking is available; rideshare is recommended for busy events.
Terrain: The cemetery is overgrown, with uneven, unpaved paths and limited accessibility for those with mobility impairments.
Preparation: Wear sturdy shoes and long pants; bring insect repellent and water (WHYY).

Directions

Address:
3499 W. Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Located between the East Falls and Strawberry Mansion neighborhoods, directly across from Laurel Hill Cemetery (WHYY).

On-Site Experience

Mount Vernon is an urban forest, its Victorian grandeur softened by decades of wild growth. Expect dense vegetation, hidden monuments, and an atmosphere described as both gothic and serene. Wildlife sightings are common, and the “green inferno” of overgrown foliage makes for a unique exploration experience (NW Local Paper).

Note: No public restrooms or permanent amenities. Temporary facilities may be provided during events.

Notable Monuments and Historical Figures

Gardel Monument: A 25-foot pyramid with global mourning sculptures, designed by Napoleon LeBrun and Guillaume Geefs, visible from Lehigh Avenue (SAH Archipedia).
Barrymore Family: Graves of the famous acting dynasty.
Louisa Lane Drew: Theatre actress and matriarch of the Barrymore family.
Dr. Rufus B. Weaver: Pioneering anatomist; his grave has been restored by volunteers (The Cemetery Traveler).
John Notman Gatehouse: A significant example of Gothic Revival funerary architecture (Hidden City Philadelphia).

Guided Tours, Volunteering, and Community Events

Volunteer Days: Regular clean-ups and documentation projects; all skill levels welcome. Bring gloves and protective gear.
Guided Tours: Offered occasionally by the Friends group and local historians. Check event announcements.
Special Events: Fall Festivals, art walks, and themed tours (e.g., beer history), with details posted online (The Philadelphia Inquirer).

Contact the cemetery office at (215) 229-6038 for appointments to visit family plots.

Safety and Visitor Tips

Dress appropriately: Long sleeves, pants, and sturdy footwear.
Bring essentials: Water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any necessary medications.
Photography: Allowed during events; drones require prior approval.
Respect: Stay on paths, do not disturb monuments or ongoing restoration work, and carry out all trash.
No pets: Unless specified for an event.

Nearby Attractions

Laurel Hill Cemetery: Restored historic site with daily access, tours, and events (Laurel Hill Cemetery).
Schuylkill River Trail & Fairmount Park: Outdoor recreation nearby.
Historic Germantown: Museums and colonial-era sites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Mount Vernon Cemetery?
A: The cemetery is not open for daily visits; access is limited to scheduled events, tours, or appointments.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Admission is free during most public events; donations are appreciated. Some events may have ticket fees to support restoration.

Q: How do I get there?
A: 3499 W. Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Accessible by public transit and limited parking.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: No. The site is not currently accessible for those with mobility impairments due to rough terrain and overgrowth.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, during public events and tours.

Q: How can I volunteer?
A: Visit the Friends of Mount Vernon Cemetery website or Instagram for schedules and sign-ups.

Future Developments

The Steelmantown Cemetery Company is leading restoration efforts, aiming to reopen Mount Vernon Cemetery with regular hours, improved accessibility, and new green/hybrid burial options (Hidden City Philadelphia). Planned additions include walking trails, educational programming, and an arboretum-style landscape.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Mount Vernon Cemetery is an irreplaceable piece of Philadelphia’s history, blending art, nature, and community spirit. While routine access remains restricted, ongoing restoration and advocacy promise a renewed public space. To support or experience Mount Vernon: