Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Hollywood’s Historic Landmark

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is among Los Angeles’ most storied and culturally significant landmarks. Established in 1899, the cemetery’s history is interwoven with the rise of Hollywood and the entertainment industry’s global influence. Over the decades, it has evolved from a classic “lawn park” burial ground to a vibrant community space, hosting thousands of visitors annually for film screenings, concerts, festivals, and guided tours. This comprehensive guide offers detailed information on Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s history, visiting hours, ticketing, notable burials, architectural highlights, events, and practical tips, ensuring a memorable and respectful visit to this unique Los Angeles site.

History and Founding (1899–1930s)
Architectural and Cultural Evolution
The Golden Age and Notable Interments
Decline, Neglect, and Revival
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Cultural Events and Community Life
Navigating the Grounds
Travel Tips and Visitor Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Online Resources
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

History and Founding (1899–1930s)

Hollywood Forever Cemetery was founded in 1899, originally known as “Hollywood Cemetery.” Its creation coincided with Hollywood’s beginnings as a small agricultural community. Founders F. W. Samuelson and Lombard established the Hollywood Cemetery Association, purchasing over 100 acres of land. Over time, portions were sold—most notably, 40 acres to Paramount Pictures, which still borders the cemetery today (Wikipedia).

Embracing the “lawn park” design favored in the late 19th century, the cemetery’s open landscape created a peaceful retreat within the burgeoning city (Angel Times). Early on, it attracted film industry elites, setting the stage for its future as the final resting place for Hollywood’s legends.

Architectural and Cultural Evolution

Hollywood Forever is celebrated for its eclectic architectural styles, reflecting shifting tastes and cultural influences over time. Notable features include:

Cathedral Mausoleum: Italian Renaissance style, housing many film legends.
Spanish Baroque Administration Building: A testament to Hollywood’s early grandeur.
Egyptian Revival Family Mausoleums: Inspired by the 1920s fascination with Egypt following King Tut’s tomb discovery (Digs).
Beth Olam Cemetery: One of Southern California’s oldest Jewish burial grounds, established in 1920 (Wikipedia).
Gower and Sunset Mausoleums: Recent vertical expansions by Lehrer Architects LA and Studio-MLA, blending innovative design with natural landscaping and responding to urban density (studio-mla.com).

The grounds feature reflecting pools, man-made lakes such as Sylvan Lake, lush lawns, and gardens, creating a park-like oasis in the city (Angel Times).

The Golden Age and Notable Interments

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the permanent home to more than 90,000 individuals, including some of the entertainment world’s most influential figures. Notable interments include:

Rudolph Valentino: Silent film icon, draws global pilgrimages (Grunge).
Judy Garland: Star of The Wizard of Oz, reinterred in 2017.
Cecil B. DeMille: Famed director and producer.
Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone: Punk rock pioneers, with unique memorials (California Through My Lens).
Mel Blanc: Legendary voice actor.
Douglas Fairbanks Sr. & Jr.: Actors and producers, with a grand marble memorial.
Mickey Rooney, Estelle Getty, Chris Cornell, Victor Fleming, and others (Wikipedia: List of Interments).

Hattie McDaniel, the first Black Oscar winner, is memorialized with a lakeside cenotaph after being denied burial due to segregation policies (Grunge).

Decline, Neglect, and Revival

By the mid-20th century, mismanagement, neglect, and segregation policies led to the cemetery’s decline (Digs). In the 1990s, it faced bankruptcy and possible closure.

The cemetery’s revival began in 1998 when Tyler Cassity acquired and restored it, addressing past injustices and transforming it into a thriving cultural center (Digs). Hollywood Forever gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places (1999) and was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2022 (Angel Times).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Hours:

Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Summer: Hours may extend to 5:30 PM (lostandabroad.com)

Admission:

Free for self-guided visits.
Guided tours and special events (e.g., film screenings, concerts) require tickets, available online or at the entrance (hollywoodforever.com).

Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible with paved paths.
Assistance available; notify staff in advance if needed.

Parking and Transit:

Free on-site parking.
Public transit options; Metro Red Line (Hollywood/Highland) is a 15-minute walk (travelcaffeine.com).

Cultural Events and Community Life

Hollywood Forever is renowned for its dynamic calendar of public events:

Cinespia Film Screenings: Outdoor classic films on the Fairbanks Lawn, May–September (cinespia.org).
Día de los Muertos: The largest celebration of its kind in the U.S., featuring altars, Aztec dance, music, and art (Hollywood Forever).
Concerts and Readings: Hosted in the historic Masonic Lodge and across the grounds (hollywoodforever.com).
Guided Tours: Led by historians, these tours explore Hollywood’s legacy and the cemetery’s most famous residents (CNN Travel).

Navigating the Grounds

Maps: Printed maps available at the entrance; interactive online map allows you to search for notable graves by name and learn about their histories (lostandabroad.com).
Gardens and Wildlife: Manicured lawns, palm-lined avenues, gardens, lakes, and wildlife like swans and peacocks provide a tranquil environment (theseasidecalls.com).
Beth Olam Cemetery: Jewish section, closed to visitors on Saturdays.
Vertical Mausoleums: The Gower Court Vertical Mausoleum provides panoramic city views and unique architectural interest (hypebeast.com).

Travel Tips and Visitor Etiquette

Dress Comfortably: Wear suitable shoes for walking.
Respectful Conduct: Maintain decorum, especially during funerals or events. Photography is welcome but should be discreet.
Flowers: Fresh arrangements available at the Bell Tower flower shop.
Facilities: Restrooms are located near the entrance.
Pets: Only service animals are allowed.
Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays for a quieter experience.
COVID-19: Check the official website for current health protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Open daily, typically 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with extended hours on weekends and in summer.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, self-guided visits are free. Events and tours require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, bookable online or onsite.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Most main paths are accessible; some older sections may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography is allowed with respect for privacy.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals.

Q: Where can I get a map?
A: At the entrance or via the interactive online map.

Visuals and Online Resources

Explore the official Hollywood Forever website for high-quality images, virtual tours, and interactive maps. Descriptive alt text enhances accessibility, e.g., “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Cathedral Mausoleum” or “Día de los Muertos celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.”

Conclusion and Call to Action

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty at the heart of Los Angeles. Its legacy as a resting place for Hollywood’s most influential figures, diverse architecture, and dynamic cultural events make it a must-visit destination. Plan your visit by checking the official website for up-to-date hours, tickets, and event information. For a richer experience, use the interactive map and download the Audiala app for guided tours and insider tips. Follow Hollywood Forever and Audiala on social media for updates and stories from the community.