Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Attractions, Cemeteries Hollywood
4 out of 5 stars
(5user reviews)
(Photograph: Michael Juliano)
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Photograph: Michael JulianoHollywood Forever Cemetery.
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Photograph: Michael JulianoHollywood Forever Cemetery.
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Photograph: Michael JulianoHollywood Forever Cemetery.
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Photograph: Michael JulianoHollywood Forever Cemetery.

The owners of Hollywood Forever have been criticized for promoting the place as a tourist attraction, but any cemetery that houses the remains of such celluloid luminaries as Cecil B. DeMille and Jayne Mansfield would probably become one regardless. It's also the resting place of Rudolph Valentino; legend has it that a mysterious "Woman in Black" still stalks the cemetery, mourning the demise of Hollywood's original loverboy. Mel Blanc's headstone says "That's All, Folks!"; Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Jr. are in a huge tomb in front of a lake guarded by a fountain and three black swans. William Andrews Clark Jr., founder of the LA Philharmonic, has an even bigger mausoleum in the middle of a lake.

Aside from popular posthumous celebs, Hollywood Forever is also home to summer outdoor movie screenings; Cinespia-hosted sleepovers with projected films, live music and games; as well as a number of unique concert events (past performers include Bon Iver, the XX, and Sigur Ros).

Posted:

Venue name: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Contact:
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Address: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles
90038
Opening hours: Summer 8am-7pm daily; Winter 8am-6pm daily
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Average User Rating

4.4 / 5

Rating Breakdown

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LiveReviews|5
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tastemaker

An intriguing slice of Hollywood history that doubles as a final resting place for showbiz luminaries and a great outdoor venue for those who haven't yet shuffled off their mortal coil.  Stop by during the day to visit graves and shrines to talents such as Toto (of Wizard of Oz fame) and Johnny Ramone.  Keep an eye (or an ear) out for the resident peacocks.  By night, they have concerts on the lawn or inside their masonic temple building.  Cinespia hosts popular film screenings every summer.  If you're coming for an event, parking will take time, whether you opt to brave the neighborhood or pay for onsite parking.  For Cinespia picnics, arrive early and bring blankets to stake your turf.  DO NOT bring chairs that elevate the user off the ground.  Seriously, don't be that person.

moderator

I am constantly and utterly in awe every time I think about Hollywood Forever and its place in our city. Not only is it the resting place for some of our most talented and beloved, but it makes room for the living as well, operating as a park, movie theater, concert space and one of the best Day of the Dead celebrations in the country. Swoon!

moderator

Is it weird that Hollywood's best park is a cemetery? Absolutely. But Hollywood Forever is a pretty unique place, whether you're strolling around and finding Hollywood icons or here for a show at the Masonic Lodge or a Cinespia screening. The mausoleum is beautiful and the mood here is surprisingly light (Mel Blanc's headstone reads "That's all, folks!"). Oh, and if you happen to see a shadowy figure howling atop a gravestone, don't worry, it's just one of the resident peacocks.


I'm not necessarily into cemeteries, but Hollywood Forever has a much different feel.  The vibe is more of celebration of the many colorful personalities that are buried here.  That could also be the fact that the cemetery is used for many events from movie screening to concerts which goes against what you were normally think of for a place where the dead are buried.  The spirit is alive and kicking here!

moderator

The only time I've come to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is for Cinespia, the outdoor movie screenings that take place over the summer and through the fall. The grounds here are beautiful, though: tall palm trees, well-kept gardens, grand mausoleums and beautifully crafted statues. Just be sure to respect the property—and history—you're walking through!