Things to Do at Hollywood Cemetery

Complete Guide to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond

About Hollywood Cemetery

Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond showcases authentic historical architecture and cultural artifacts preserved through careful restoration efforts. Admission ranges from $10 (10 USD) to $25 (25 USD) depending on guided tour options and seasonal pricing variations. The site features original construction materials and period-appropriate furnishings that provide genuine insights into local heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Visit during weekday mornings when crowds are smaller and lighting is optimal for photography The experience combines educational value with atmospheric details where weathered stone surfaces warm under morning sunlight while visitors explore spaces that have witnessed centuries of local history and cultural development.

What to See & Do

Presidents Circle

The elaborate tomb of James Monroe, marked by a distinctive Gothic Revival iron cage structure that's genuinely impressive up close

Confederate Pyramid

A 90-foot stone pyramid memorial to Confederate soldiers - one of the most recognizable landmarks in the cemetery and visible from various points around Richmond

Jefferson Davis Memorial

The final resting place of the Confederate President, marked by a large monument that tends to draw both history buffs and those interested in Civil War sites

Soldiers' Section

Rows of simple headstones marking the graves of over 18,000 Confederate soldiers - the sheer number gives you a sense of the war's massive human cost

Riverside Views

The cemetery's location on bluffs above the James River offers surprisingly beautiful views, especially from the higher sections near the pyramid

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (6:00 PM during daylight saving time). The office is typically open weekdays 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Free admission, though donations are appreciated. Self-guided tour maps are available at the office for a small fee

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for walking. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography and tends to be quieter

Suggested Duration

Plan for 1-3 hours depending on your interest level - you could easily spend a full afternoon here if you're into history or photography

Getting There

Hollywood Cemetery sits at 412 South Cherry Street in Richmond's Fan District. Free parking near the entrance-but weekends fill up fast. You can walk here from downtown Richmond hotels in about 15-20 minutes through the Fan or Museum District. Public transit won't help. Drive, walk, or grab a rideshare instead. The entrance hides behind stone pillars and iron gates that are easy to miss from the street.

Things to Do Nearby

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
One of the top art museums in the Southeast, just a few minutes away in the Museum District with impressive collections and free admission

Maymont Park
A beautiful 100-acre Victorian estate and park with gardens, wildlife exhibits, and mansion tours - great for extending your outdoor exploration

The Fan District
Richmond's most walkable neighborhood with historic row houses, local restaurants, and that classic urban village feel

Belle Isle
A small island in the James River with Civil War ruins, walking trails, and rock-hopping opportunities - accessible via a pedestrian bridge

American Civil War Museum
Located in the historic Tredegar Iron Works, it provides context for much of what you'll see at Hollywood Cemetery

Tips & Advice

Bring comfortable walking shoes - the cemetery has hills, uneven paths, and you'll likely be doing more walking than you expect

The office near the entrance has detailed maps and can point you toward specific graves if you're looking for someone in particular

Photography is allowed and encouraged, but obviously be respectful of any funeral services that might be taking place

Consider combining your visit with a walk through the Fan District or a stop at Maymont - they're all within a reasonable walking distance of each other