Metairie Cemetery

Introduction to Metairie Cemetery: A Jewel of New Orleans History

Metairie Cemetery stands as one of New Orleans’ most captivating landmarks—a place where history, architecture, and culture intertwine. Originally established in 1838 as the Metairie Race Course, the grounds were transformed after the Civil War into a spacious, park-like cemetery in 1872. This transformation was part of the 19th-century rural cemetery movement, which sought to create tranquil, garden-like burial grounds (Getting Lost in Louisiana; Free Tours by Foot). Today, Metairie Cemetery is celebrated for its extraordinary funerary architecture, above-ground tombs, and its status as the final resting place for countless influential figures—making it a must-see destination for visitors seeking to understand the soul of New Orleans (NOLA.com; Paved Paradise Tours NOLA).

Essential Visitor Information

Hours and Admission

• Opening Hours: Metairie Cemetery is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Free Tours by Foot). Some sources note slightly different opening times (such as 8:00 AM), so check ahead if visiting near opening or closing.
• Admission: Entry is free for all visitors. No tickets are required for self-guided exploration (Veronika’s Adventure).
• Guided Tours: Offered by local organizations such as Save Our Cemeteries and the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. These tours typically require advance booking and charge between $25 and $40 per person depending on provider and tour type. Guided tours enrich the experience by highlighting historical anecdotes, notable burials, and architectural details (Cool New Orleans).

Accessibility

• Most main avenues are paved and wheelchair accessible, making it manageable for visitors with mobility challenges. Some older sections may have uneven ground, so plan your route accordingly.
• Restrooms are available at designated locations, and shaded areas under mature oaks provide spots to rest (Veronika’s Adventure).
• Only service animals are permitted on the grounds.

Travel & Parking Tips

• Address: 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119 (The Courtney Lux Blog).
• Parking: Free and ample on-site parking is available, but it can be limited during peak times or special events.
• Public Transit: Local bus routes and rideshare services provide convenient access.

Originally the site of the South's premier racetrack, the land was repurposed after the Civil War as the Metairie Cemetery, maintaining the original oval layout of the racecourse (Getting Lost in Louisiana). The cemetery was designed in the rural garden tradition, with winding avenues and landscaped grounds, creating a peaceful atmosphere that reflects both the city’s French and Spanish influences and the practical need for above-ground tombs due to the high water table (Free Tours by Foot).

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

Metairie Cemetery is often described as an open-air museum, housing a dazzling array of monuments and mausoleums crafted in styles ranging from Classical Revival and Gothic to Egyptian and Art Deco (NOLA.com). Notable features include:

• Millionaires Row: Lavish tombs of New Orleans’ wealthiest families, showcasing the city’s Gilded Age splendor (1st Lake Blog).
• Brunswig Pyramid: An iconic mausoleum featuring sphinx statues—one of the cemetery’s most photographed tombs (Veronika’s Adventure).
• Moriarty Mausoleum: A masterful example of Egyptian Revival, with intricate carvings and symbolic motifs.
• Chapman H. Hyams Memorial: Modeled after a Greek temple and home to a moving “Angel of Grief” statue.
• Egan Family Tomb: Designed as a ruined Irish abbey, reflecting the family’s heritage.
• Obelisks and Statuary: From weeping angels to draped urns, the cemetery’s artistic elements are rich in symbolism (Away With a Camera).

Notable Burials: Influential Figures and Cultural Icons

Metairie Cemetery is the final resting place for over 9,000 individuals, including:

• Nine Louisiana governors and seven New Orleans mayors
• Confederate generals such as P.G.T. Beauregard
• Kings of Carnival and prominent Mardi Gras figures
• Musicians: Louis Prima, Al Hirt
• Authors: Anne Rice, whose gothic works drew inspiration from the city (Wandering Crystal)
• Business leaders: Al Copeland (Popeyes Chicken founder), Tom Benson (Saints & Pelicans owner)
• Other notables: Dorothy Dix (advice columnist), Jim Garrison (JFK investigator)

The Josie Arlington tomb—featuring a statue of a young woman knocking on a bronze door—has inspired countless legends and ghost stories (The Moonlit Road).

Cultural Context and Preservation

Metairie Cemetery mirrors New Orleans’ tradition of above-ground burials, blending French, Spanish, and American customs. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and ongoing preservation is led by organizations like Save Our Cemeteries and the Preservation Resource Center (Preservation Resource Center). Annual events—such as the “Run/Walk Through History”—engage the community and raise funds for continued restoration.

Unique Features and Visitor Experience

• Above-Ground Tombs: A necessity in New Orleans’ wet climate, these structures create a distinctive “city of the dead” landscape (exploringthegulf.com).
• Garden-like Setting: Mature oaks and landscaped paths provide a peaceful, reflective environment.
• Self-guided & Guided Tours: Self-guided tours are free; guided tours offer deeper insights and often include access to otherwise restricted monuments (NOLA Tour Guy).
• Photography: Permitted for personal use; visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting services or mourners (Veronika’s Adventure).

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit to Metairie Cemetery with other New Orleans historic sites such as:

• City Park and New Orleans Museum of Art
• Garden District
• Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
• French Quarter
• National WWII Museum

These destinations offer an enriching, multifaceted view of the city’s history and culture.

Visiting Tips

• Best Time: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal lighting.
• Attire: Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended.
• Duration: Allocate at least two hours for a guided tour, or longer for self-guided exploration (Away With a Camera).
• Etiquette: Maintain a respectful demeanor, keep noise to a minimum, and follow posted rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Metairie Cemetery’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Confirm hours on holidays.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No; entry is free. Guided tours may require a ticket.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, book in advance with reputable providers.

Q: Is the cemetery accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Most main avenues are accessible; some older sections may be uneven.

Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Only service animals are permitted.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Free parking is available on-site.