Hollywood Cemetery

05/28/2026

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📷Bill Draper Photography

05/26/2026

Perched along the banks of the James River in Hollywood Cemetery, the Palmer Chapel Mausoleum was constructed in 1992 as a chapel-style, above-ground burial structure.

Its design reflects a longstanding tradition in American cemetery architecture in which mausoleums are often modeled after small chapels, combining sacred architectural elements with funerary function to create a peaceful atmosphere for visitation.

Chapel-style mausoleums became especially prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries as cemeteries evolved into landscaped, park-like settings intended for both commemoration and contemplation.

These structures are typically designed with durable materials such as stone and marble to provide long-term protection while maintaining a dignified aesthetic.

Set against the natural beauty of the river, the Palmer Chapel Mausoleum reflects this blend of architectural heritage and landscape design, offering a serene and respectful space for honoring loved ones.

📷Bill Draper Photography

05/22/2026

Unfortunately, as a result of the inclement weather forecast, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Energy Healing Experience on Saturday, May 23, at 2:00pm-3:30pm. We hope you consider joining us for any of the many wonderful events scheduled in the future at Hollywood Cemetery, including more Energy Healing Experiences in October (Details to come).

See other events happening at Hollywood Cemetery at www.hollywoodcemetery.org/visit/events

Happy May!🌷🌱☀️

Here's a glimpse at some events happening now through July at Hollywood Cemetery!

👟Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour| May 5 and May 7 at 10:30am - 12:30pm, May 9 at 1:00 - 3:00pm:
Hear from The Valentine tour guides about not only the history of the cemetery, but also its landscape design, architecture, symbols, and the notable figures buried at Hollywood Cemetery.

🚌Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Bus Tour| May 10 at 2:00 - 4:00pm:
Same as the walking tour, but on a bus!

🌷Cradle Graves Floral Workshop | Saturday, May 16 at 10:30am - 12:30pm:
Rachel Watman of Swann's End Flowers and Cemetery Historian Sharon Pajka will begin this workshop by presenting the history of cradle graves in the Victorian era and the rituals associated with them, and then participants will get to clean up and replant graves of their choosing with current volunteer groups who tend to cradle graves at Hollywood Cemetery today.

🌈Energy Healing Experience | May 18 and May 23 at 2:00 - 3:30pm:
Join the The Rainbow Frequency for a 90-minute session designed to offer a peaceful retreat within the cemetery's restorative grounds. The experience will begin with a walk through the cemetery to help participants center themselves in nature, followed by a guided meditation focused on grounding and holistic wellness.

📷Rise and Click | June 7 and July 12 at 5:45 - 7:45am:
Enjoy a 2-hour photography workshop hosted by Bill Draper Photography, where you’ll get to capture the sunrise, wildlife, and landscapes of Hollywood Cemetery alongside one of Richmond's best.

✏️Meandering Among the Markers | June 13 and July 11 at 9:00 - 10:30am:
Led by Cemetery Historian Sharon Pajka writes, this 90-minute writing and reflection workshop held in the serene spaces of Hollywood Cemetery is focused on stillness, story, and self-discovery.
Not sure how your schedule will look during the next few months? Save this post and come back to it when you do!

🔗Find RSVP info at www.hollywoodcemetery.org/visit/events

05/22/2026

Not sure what sights to see first? Good thing we made a list!

We want to hear from you! What's your favorite sight, place, or monument in the cemetery?

🔗Check out ours at www.hollywoodcemetery.org/visit/things-to-see

05/20/2026

Hollywood Cemetery is a place of beauty to be shared, but its true purpose should always be remembered. As an active cemetery, we kindly ask all visitors to continue to treat the grounds with care and respect.

For more information, visit www.hollywoodcemetery.org/visit/plan-your-visit or call our cemetery office at 804-648-8501.

📷Bill Draper Photography

05/18/2026

Check out this awesome shot from last fall! Framing the James River within the entryway of Palmer Chapel perfectly captures the balance of nature and history that we all love at Hollywood Cemetery.

Thank you for visiting, (via Instagram)!

📷Share your favorite photos from Hollywood Cemetery and tag us to be featured on our social media!

05/15/2026

UPDATE: Tomorrow’s Cradle Graves Floral Workshop will now be meeting in Presidents Circle, which is located on the southern edge of Hollywood Cemetery where Monroe Ave and Hillside Ave meet. There will also be signage to follow!

Happy May!🌷🌱☀️

Here's a glimpse at some events happening now through July at Hollywood Cemetery!

👟Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour| May 5 and May 7 at 10:30am - 12:30pm, May 9 at 1:00 - 3:00pm:
Hear from The Valentine tour guides about not only the history of the cemetery, but also its landscape design, architecture, symbols, and the notable figures buried at Hollywood Cemetery.

🚌Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Bus Tour| May 10 at 2:00 - 4:00pm:
Same as the walking tour, but on a bus!

🌷Cradle Graves Floral Workshop | Saturday, May 16 at 10:30am - 12:30pm:
Rachel Watman of Swann's End Flowers and Cemetery Historian Sharon Pajka will begin this workshop by presenting the history of cradle graves in the Victorian era and the rituals associated with them, and then participants will get to clean up and replant graves of their choosing with current volunteer groups who tend to cradle graves at Hollywood Cemetery today.

🌈Energy Healing Experience | May 18 and May 23 at 2:00 - 3:30pm:
Join the The Rainbow Frequency for a 90-minute session designed to offer a peaceful retreat within the cemetery's restorative grounds. The experience will begin with a walk through the cemetery to help participants center themselves in nature, followed by a guided meditation focused on grounding and holistic wellness.

📷Rise and Click | June 7 and July 12 at 5:45 - 7:45am:
Enjoy a 2-hour photography workshop hosted by Bill Draper Photography, where you’ll get to capture the sunrise, wildlife, and landscapes of Hollywood Cemetery alongside one of Richmond's best.

✏️Meandering Among the Markers | June 13 and July 11 at 9:00 - 10:30am:
Led by Cemetery Historian Sharon Pajka writes, this 90-minute writing and reflection workshop held in the serene spaces of Hollywood Cemetery is focused on stillness, story, and self-discovery.
Not sure how your schedule will look during the next few months? Save this post and come back to it when you do!

🔗Find RSVP info at www.hollywoodcemetery.org/visit/events

05/14/2026

Bald cypress trees are slow-growing and incredibly long-lived, often reaching ages of up to 600 years. They’re easily recognized by their distinctive “knees,” root structures that extend above the ground. This particular tree is the tallest in the cemetery and can be found on the easternmost side, between Eastvale and Westvale Avenues.

🔗To learn more about this tree and others, visit our Natural Treasure Guides at www.hollywoodcemetery.org/visit/natural-treasure-guides/the-trees-of-hollywood

📷Bill Draper Photography

05/12/2026

As an active cemetery, Hollywood Cemetery continues to serve individuals and families. There's nothing easy about loss, but our staff is ready to guide you with care and compassion throughout the arrangement process.

To learn more, please contact the cemetery office by calling (804) 648-8501 or emailing [email protected].

📷: Bill Draper Photography

05/08/2026

Happy ! Here are some of our favorite historical sights from this wonderful outdoor museum.

What's your favorite place, monument, or sight to see at Hollywood Cemetery?

Pictured: Palmer Chapel Mausoleum, James Monroe's Tomb (The Birdcage), Lewis Ginter Mausoleum.

📷Bill Draper Photography