Untermyer Memorial Restoration Completed in Bronx
The historic site at Woodlawn Cemetery has reopened to the public following an extensive multi-year preservation project.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Fine Art
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The Untermyer Memorial in the Bronx has officially reopened following a restoration project that began in 2024. The site features three life-size bronze figures created by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.
Why it matters
The project returned the memorial to its original 1924 design to preserve the artistic legacy of Samuel Untermyer and improve the surrounding public greenspace. It serves to protect historical funerary art for future generations to visit and study.
The memorial features 3 life-size bronze figures designed by artist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. The restoration effort prioritized returning the bronze fountain and bluestone Star of David to their original specifications.
The players
Samuel Untermyer
He was a prominent American lawyer and civic leader who commissioned the memorial following the death of his wife in 1924.
Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney
She was a noted sculptor, art patron, and founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art who created the three bronze figures.
Paul Chalfin
He was an interior designer and architect known for his work on significant estates and historical projects.
The details
Workers cleared dense overgrowth from the side entrance and walls while cleaning the stone whispering bench. The project successfully integrated new plantings into the existing landscape to enhance the cemetery visitor experience.
Timeline
Samuel Untermyer commissioned the memorial in 1924.
The restoration project began in 2024.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official reopening on 3 October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This restoration mirrors the broader trend of institutional commitment to preserving historic funerary landscapes and 20th-century artistic monuments. By revitalizing such sites, cultural organizations maintain links to early 1900s craftsmanship that would otherwise succumb to natural decay.
New York City residents and cemetery visitors can now access the restored site and view the bronze sculptures in their original state. The improved grounds provide a more accessible and aesthetic environment for the public.
The takeaway
The restoration of the Untermyer Memorial highlights the value of ongoing maintenance for urban green spaces and historic art sites. Visitors are encouraged to explore these public grounds to appreciate the craftsmanship of early 20th-century memorial architecture.
Further reading
For more on the preservation of cultural landmarks in the region, explore our Fine Art section.
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