The Woodlands’ 54-acre undulating landscape is at once a one-of-a-kind 18th-century English pleasure garden, 19th-century rural cemetery, and a modern green oasis for its neighbors in bustling University City and West Philadelphia. The Woodlands was designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of its unique history and rich resources. Actively used today, the cemetery, mansion, landscape, and programs are an educational resource for local school children, community residents, university students, as well as for a small, highly motivated cadre of scholars seeking further understanding of American architectural and botanical history, urban development, and the origin and growth of West Philadelphia.

Today, our mission is to enrich the lives of area residents and visitors by serving as a hub for activities and educational programs that interpret, celebrate and make available to the public The Woodlands’ historic buildings and tranquil green space.

...Whereby the beautiful landscape and scenery of that situation (Hamilton’s Estate) may be perpetually preserved, and its ample space for the free circulation of air, and groves of trees afford a security against encroachments upon the dead, and health and solace to the living.

---Articles of Incorporation of The Woodlands Cemetery Company, 1840

Our Community Partners

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University 
Bartram's Garden
Curio Theatre Company
The Discovery Center
James G. Kaskey Memorial Park and Biology Greenhouses
St. Francis de Sales Parish & School
Philadelphia Bee Keepers Guild
Philadelphia Orchard Project
UC Green
University City Arts League
University City District                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            University of Pennsylvania
University of the Sciences
Walnut Street West Library

Recent Press 

The Woodlands went up against SEPTA for destroying its trees and won, Philadelphia Inquirer
March 2, 2024

A Tale of Two Gardens, Hidden City Philadelphia
October 17, 2023

The peaceful landscape of The Woodlands Cemetery invites nature and people in, Grid Magazine
June 2, 2023

A New Life for Old Cemeteries, Seasons Magazine, Morris Arboretum
September 12, 2022

Meditation for liberation in a West Philly cemetery, The Philadelphia Tribune
July 12, 2021

The Promise of Pawpaw, The New York Times
October 19, 2020

Volunteer gardeners tend to cradle graves at The Woodlands, Grid Magazine
August 8, 2020

Graveyards as Green Getaways, Welcome Collection
June 3, 2020

West Philly’s Woodlands provides unique oasis for residents during pandemic, Philadelphia Inquirer
May 29, 2020

7 Historic Philly Cemeteries Where You Can Walk and Headstone Hunt, Philadelphia Magazine
May 13, 2020

Visiting The Woodlands in West Philly on foot and by screen, Broad Street Review
May 12, 2020

Public Life After Death: How Six Cemeteries Are Reclaiming Their Role As Public Spaces, Project for Public Spaces
October 28, 2019

How Gardening Neglected Victorian Graves Brought Community To A Philadelphia Cemetery, The Order of the Good Death
June 5, 2019

Grave Gardeners: Volunteers help spiff up old cemeteries, Associated Press
May 22, 2019

A Fine And Public Space: Preservationists Revive Philadelphia’s Historic Cemeteries As Vibrant Spaces For The Living, Hidden City Philadelphia
May 21, 2019

The New Art Galleries: Urban Cemeteries, CityLab
April 18, 2019

To Bring in New Blood, Historic Cemeteries Get Creative with Yoga, Dog Walks, and Picnics, The Philadelphia Inquirer
March 7, 2019

For a comprehensive list of Press and Press Releases, visit our Press Archive.