This summer movie series will be held at a Columbus mausoleum

There are a variety of ways to enjoy a cinematic experience in Columbus without stepping foot in a theater: drive-ins, pop-ups on the Scioto Mile, flicks shown in the metro parks, and, now, hold on to your popcorn – you can even attend screenings at at a historical mausoleum.

The Green Lawn Abbey Preservation is hosting their Movies Under the Stars series again this year, right in front of the mausoleum located next to the cemetery, kicking off the season August 4th with the film Dazed and Confused. These thrilling film events are complete with food trucks, libations, and other unique experiences for only a $5 donation.

Located at 700 Greenlawn Ave., the Abbey is a stone’s throw away from the iconic Greenlawn Cemetery, which is located at 1000 Greenlawn Ave.

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You might be thinking, “Movies? Outside a cemetery? Isn’t that a little strange?” While it may seem like an odd place to relax, other cities like NYC and LA have been doing it for years. The movie series event, Cinespia, in Hollywood’s Forever Cemetery, consistently sells out week after week. Although Columbus doesn’t have a cemetery that’s as renowned as Hollywood Forever, the Green Lawn Abbey does have a fascinating history of its own.

The Green Lawn Abbey, built in 1929, is considered one of the finest mausoleums in Central Ohio, according to their we bsite. It’s recognized for “…its fine Palladio-inspired neoclassical architecture, its high-quality materials, and expert craftsmanship.” Usually mausoleums were built by individual families, but this public mausoleum offered crypts for individual purchase. Many successful entrepreneurs sought a spot at The Abbey, but in the late 20th century, Green Lawn Abbey began to considerably decline due to lack of funding and an increase of vandals and break-ins.

Fortunately, in 2008, The Green Lawn Abbey Preservation was formed, breathing new life into this once dormant mausoleum and cemetery. Now, a variety of community events and fundraisers take place on the massive lawn, including Movies Under the Stars.

Here’s a list of upcoming movies:

Aug 4: Dazed and Confused
Aug 18: Back to the Future
Sept 1: Natural Born Killers
Sept 15: Jurassic Park
Sept 29: Rushmore
Oct 6: Serial Mom
Oct 13: Pet Sematary

Bring a blanket, a chair, and an open mind; it’s an experience unlike any other in Columbus. You’ll be adding to the revitalization of a historic landmark, all the while watching film favorites. Maybe you’ll even catch a ghostly cameo!

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new July issue here!

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