Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery

Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions in Los Angeles

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery, situated at 10621 Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, is a remarkable testament to the city’s layered history, blending cultural, artistic, and aviation legacies. Established in 1923, this expansive, 63-acre cemetery is renowned for its tranquil beauty, Spanish Mission Revival architecture, and the iconic Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation. Whether you’re drawn by the stories of aviation pioneers, Hollywood legends, or simply seek a peaceful retreat, Valhalla offers a unique glimpse into Los Angeles’ evolving past.

Admission is free and the grounds are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with accessibility features ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. This guide provides essential information about visiting hours, notable attractions, historical context, and practical tips, allowing you to make the most of your visit to this North Hollywood historical site. For further details, consult reputable sources such as PBS SoCal, HistoryNet, and AOPA.

Visiting Hours and Tickets
Directions and Accessibility
Historical Overview
Portal of the Folded Wings: Aviation Heritage
Hollywood Connections and Notable Interments
Community and Cultural Significance
Memorials and Veterans’ Tributes
Visitor Tips and Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Nearby Attractions
References

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is free for all guests, and no tickets are required for general visitation. The Burbank Aviation Museum inside the Portal of the Folded Wings is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (weather permitting), also with free admission. Special events or guided tours may require advance booking or small fees; check the official website or call ahead for the latest updates.

Directions and Accessibility

Address: 10621 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91606
Valhalla Memorial Park is easily reached by car with ample free parking onsite, including accessible spaces near the main entrance. Public transportation options include Metro bus routes serving the North Hollywood area; check the Los Angeles Metro website for current schedules. The cemetery’s flat terrain and paved pathways ensure wheelchair accessibility, and visitors with disabilities are encouraged to contact the office for additional accommodations.

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Development

Founded in 1923 by C.C. Fitzpatrick and John R. Osborne, Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery quickly became a prominent burial ground for Los Angeles’ expanding middle class. Its name, inspired by Norse mythology, reflects its dedication to honoring heroes—both in aviation and Hollywood. The original entrance, designed by architect Kenneth McDonald Jr. and adorned with sculptures by Federico A. Giorgi, was a grand rotunda that later became the iconic Portal of the Folded Wings (PBS SoCal).

Despite its auspicious beginnings, the founders faced early legal troubles due to a fraudulent plot-reselling scheme, leading to state intervention and eventual acquisition by the Pierce Brothers mortuary family in the 1940s. The cemetery’s size was reduced in the 1950s, but the Pierce Brothers name endures on-site.

Portal of the Folded Wings: Aviation Heritage

Architectural and Cultural Landmark

The Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation is the cemetery’s most celebrated feature. This 72-foot-tall (some sources cite 75 or 78 feet) Spanish Mission Revival rotunda, completed in 1924, showcases elaborate ornamentation, domed ceilings with star motifs, mosaics, and sculptures symbolizing flight (AOPA, Etan Does LA). Originally serving as the main entrance, the rotunda was repurposed in 1953 as a shrine to aviation pioneers, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight.

Aviation Memorial

Beneath the dome rest early aviators and innovators:

Walter R. Brookins – First pilot trained by the Wright brothers.
Matilde Moisant – Second woman in the U.S. to earn a pilot’s license.
Charles Taylor – The Wright brothers’ mechanic.
Carl B. Squier and Bertrand B. Acosta – Influential aviation figures.

Bronze plaques also honor icons like Amelia Earhart and General Billy Mitchell. The location’s proximity to Hollywood Burbank Airport reinforces its aviation legacy (HistoryNet).

Burbank Aviation Museum

The museum, located within the portal, is open for free on the first Sunday of each month (1–3 PM). Exhibits illuminate Burbank’s aeronautical history and its role in shaping American aviation (Portal of the Folded Wings).

Hollywood Connections and Notable Interments

Valhalla Memorial Park is the final resting place of numerous entertainment legends, including:

Oliver Hardy (Laurel and Hardy)
Bea Benaderet (“Petticoat Junction”)
Mae Murray (silent film star)
Curly Howard (The Three Stooges)
Gail Russell (actress)
Gorgeous George (wrestler)

This diverse roster of Hollywood figures adds to the cemetery’s cultural draw, making it a quieter, more intimate alternative to other celebrity cemeteries in Los Angeles (Wikipedia).

Community and Cultural Significance

Valhalla Memorial Park reflects the evolving demographics of Los Angeles, with burial sections dedicated to Latino, Armenian, Jewish, and other communities. Memorials feature inscriptions in multiple languages and symbols representing diverse traditions (PBS SoCal).

The site has played a role in community healing and remembrance, notably in the 1980s with the interment of over 16,500 aborted fetuses found in a local medical scandal, and through annual ceremonies honoring veterans and aviation pioneers.

Memorials and Veterans’ Tributes

A poignant monument honors the 241 U.S. Marines killed in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, and annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day events are held at the Portal of the Folded Wings. The cemetery’s layout and memorial gardens provide peaceful spaces for reflection and remembrance.

Visitor Tips and Highlights

Maps and Information: Download a map from the official website or pick one up at the office.
Photography: The Portal of the Folded Wings and historic mausoleums offer excellent photo opportunities; early morning or late afternoon provide optimal natural light.
Guided Tours: While not regularly scheduled, tours may be available during special events or by appointment.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths, restrooms, and parking are provided.
Nearby Attractions: Hollywood Burbank Airport Museum, NoHo Arts District, El Portal Theatre, Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Daily, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, admission is free.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with paved walkways and accessible facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Special tours may be arranged during aviation events or by appointment; call the office to inquire.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Personal photography is welcome; professional shoots require prior approval.

Q: How do I get there via public transit?
A: Metro bus routes serve Victory Boulevard and the North Hollywood area.

Q: Where is the Portal of the Folded Wings?
A: On the east side of the cemetery, visible from Victory Boulevard.

Summary and Nearby Attractions

Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery seamlessly blends Los Angeles’ historical depth, aviation milestones, and Hollywood heritage. With its serene grounds, architectural splendor, and free public access, it’s a standout destination for history, culture, and quiet contemplation. Proximity to major attractions like Hollywood Burbank Airport and Universal Studios makes it an ideal addition to a North Hollywood itinerary.

To further enrich your experience, download the Audiala app for digital maps, guided content, and event notifications. Follow us on social media for updates on special tours, commemorations, and local history features.