DC’s oldest open-air museum is likely one of its most overlooked. Rock Creek Cemetery, in upper Northwest, features dozens of evocative and emotionally-charged monuments by some of the 19th and 20th century’s greatest sculptors.
Founded in 1719 – fifty-seven years before the Declaration of Independence – this park-like burial ground features rolling hills and manicured lawns that make for a peaceful afternoon’s wandering. In early spring, vibrant red, white, and mauve azaleas bloom between the memorials adding a lovely pop of life to the graveyard.
Several top works of art are found in Section E of the cemetery, just to the right of St. Paul’s Church. One of the first you’ll see is the Rabboni, a heart-wrenching life-sized sculpture of a hooded Mary Magdalene with her arm reaching out. The bronze sculpture, weathered to a characteristic aqua-green, is by American artist Gutzon Borglum, the man who later carved Mount Rushmore.
Down the hill a bit further to the right is a grove of bushes encircling the Adams Memorial, designed by American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The sculpture of a cloaked seated figure secluded in a quiet garden pays homage to DC socialite Clover Adams, who committed suicide by swallowing cyanide. The haunting statue is a Buddhist Kannon, designed to represent compassion. A copy of the sculpture is also on display in the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum downtown.
Deeper into the central area of the cemetery rests the curved granite bench of the Kauffman Memorial, on which sits the sculpture of a young woman flanked by carved reliefs depicting images from William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
Many other distinctive pieces of art decorate the memorials and monuments commemorating three centuries of Washingtonians, providing a quiet few hours away from the bustle of the city.
Getting there: The main gate is at the intersection of Webster Street and Rock Creek Church Road, NW. Note, that the cemetery is not located in Rock Creek Park, which is several miles to the west. The easiest way to get to the cemetery from downtown is via taxi or car service.
Nearest Metro: Fort Totten. It’s a 15 minute walk to the cemetery crossing through Fort Totten park, or take the 60 Bus that runs between the Fort Totten and Petworth Metro stations (bus does not run on weekends).
