Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery

Introduction

Tucked behind the bustling streets of Westwood, Los Angeles, Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery is a tranquil, historic enclave celebrated for its remarkable roster of Hollywood legends and its contribution to the city’s cultural legacy. With its understated 2.5-acre grounds, the cemetery provides both a contemplative retreat and a living chronicle of Los Angeles’ cinematic and artistic evolution. This guide details everything you need to know for a respectful and rewarding visit, including up-to-date information on visiting hours, accessibility, notable interments, visitor etiquette, and more. For further details, refer to the Los Angeles Conservancy, Pierce Brothers Westwood, and travel resources like Jody’s Travel.

Origins and Early History

Founded in the late 19th century as part of a failed real estate development called Sunset, Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery began as a rural burial ground. As Los Angeles expanded westward, the cemetery became embedded in the emerging Westwood neighborhood, gaining prominence with the establishment of UCLA in the 1920s (Los Angeles Conservancy).

Development as a Hollywood Landmark

Originally serving local families, the cemetery’s proximity to Hollywood quickly made it a sought-after resting place for entertainment industry figures. Over the decades, it evolved into an essential Hollywood landmark, with interments of icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Dean Martin, and Frank Zappa. The cemetery’s modest, secluded setting enables visitors to explore the graves of beloved stars in a peaceful, intimate atmosphere (Jody’s Travel).

Architectural and Artistic Features

Despite its small size, the grounds are immaculately landscaped, with lush lawns and mature trees. The cemetery features a mix of understated plaques, ornate headstones, and a modern chapel for services. Unique epitaphs and monuments—such as Mel Blanc’s “That’s All Folks” and Jack Lemmon’s “Jack Lemmon in”—highlight the creativity and humor of those interred here (Jody’s Travel).

Community and Preservation Efforts

Community activism in the late 20th century helped preserve the cemetery’s character amid urban development pressures, resulting in its designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (PBS SoCal). Ongoing preservation ensures its continued role as both an active burial site and a cultural landmark.

Location, Access, and Transportation

Address:
1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Directions:

• By Car: Exit the 405 Freeway onto Wilshire Boulevard eastbound, then north on Glendon Avenue. The cemetery entrance is discreet, just south of Wilshire; parking is limited.
• Public Transit: Multiple Metro bus lines serve Wilshire and Westwood. The Westwood/UCLA Metro station is within walking distance.
• On Foot: The cemetery is centrally located near UCLA and the Hammer Museum, making it accessible for pedestrians from Westwood Village (Hometowns to Hollywood).

Visiting Hours, Admission, and Guided Tours

• Visiting Hours:
  Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (sometimes dusk). Hours may vary on holidays or during private events—always check the official website or call ahead.
• Admission:
  Free; no tickets required. Donations for maintenance are welcomed but optional.
• Guided Tours:
  No regularly scheduled tours, but local historical societies occasionally host special events. For updates, consult the Los Angeles Conservancy.

Notable Interments and Unique Memorials

Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery is distinguished by the high concentration of entertainment luminaries, making it a true “Hollywood Pantheon.” Highlights include:

• Marilyn Monroe:
  Her crypt (#24 in the Corridor of Memories) is the cemetery’s most visited site, often adorned with lipstick marks and flowers.
• Natalie Wood:
  Celebrated actress with a modest headstone.
• Dean Martin, Farrah Fawcett, Roy Orbison:
  Entertainment icons with dedicated memorials.
• Frank Zappa:
  Avant-garde musician, with an intentionally unmarked grave.
• Jack Lemmon:
  Epitaph reads “Jack Lemmon in,” echoing his film credits.
• Truman Capote:
  Noted author, with a portion of his ashes interred here.
• Other Notables:
  Mel Blanc, Peter Falk, Rodney Dangerfield, Eva Gabor, Don Knotts, Janet Leigh, Billy Wilder, and more.

For a detailed list, consult Wikipedia, Find a Grave, or fan-created maps.

Unique Memorials:
Witty and poignant epitaphs, such as Mel Blanc’s “That’s All Folks” and Rodney Dangerfield’s “There Goes the Neighborhood,” add character and a touch of humor to the site.

Visitor Etiquette and Accessibility

• Respectful Conduct:
  As an active cemetery, visitors should maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor. Avoid disrupting services or grieving families.
• Photography:
  Permitted for personal use, but be discreet—do not photograph mourners or ongoing ceremonies.
• Accessibility:
  The grounds are generally flat and wheelchair accessible, though some paths are narrow or uneven. Contact the cemetery office for accommodations.
• Facilities:
  A small chapel and limited restrooms are available. Benches offer spots for rest and reflection.
• Pets:
  Not permitted, to maintain the sanctity of the grounds.

Nearby Attractions and Tips

• Westwood Village:
  Features restaurants, cafes, shops, and historic theaters.
• UCLA Campus:
  Offers museums and gardens.
• Hammer Museum:
  Free contemporary art museum nearby.
• Travel Tips:
  • Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
  • Bring water and sun protection.
  • Prepare a list of graves to visit; maps may not be available onsite.
  • Public transit is recommended due to limited parking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; check ahead for holiday or event closures.

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

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not regularly, but special tours occur occasionally.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Mostly, though some paths are narrow or uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, for personal use—be respectful and avoid photographing private services.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Onsite parking is limited; metered street parking and public transit are alternatives.