Hollywood Forever Cemetery is far more than a final resting place—it’s a living cultural landmark, a green oasis, and one of Hollywood’s most unexpectedly vibrant gathering spaces. Nestled just steps from Paramount Studios and the heart of the entertainment district, it blends history, art, nature, and community in a way few places in Los Angeles can.
A Resting Place of Legends
Established in 1899, Hollywood Forever is the final home of countless icons from film, music, and literature, including:
- Rudolph Valentino
- Cecil B. DeMille
- Jayne Mansfield
- Johnny Ramone
- Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher (buried together)
- Peter Lorre, Tyrone Power, Darren McGavin, and many more
The gravesites themselves are works of art—featuring mausoleums, sculptures, stained glass, and serene lakefront plots that reflect early 20th-century design and Hollywood grandeur.
More Than a Cemetery: A Cultural Hub
Under the stewardship of owner Tyler Cassity and through partnerships with local creatives, Hollywood Forever has been transformed into a dynamic public space that honors the past while embracing the present:
🎬 Cinespia Movie Nights
- Every summer, Cinespia hosts open-air screenings on the lawn beside the lake.
- Films are often thematically tied to those buried here (e.g., The Crow near Johnny Ramone’s memorial).
- Attendees dress in costume, bring picnics, and toast to cinema under the stars—creating a surreal, communal experience unlike any drive-in or theater.
🎶 Live Music & Festivals
- Hosts concerts, including the Día de los Muertos festival—one of the largest and most authentic outside Mexico—featuring altars, processions, live performances, and art.
- Past performers include Phoebe Bridgers, Beach House, and Chicano Batman.
🧘 Yoga, Tours & Community Events
- Morning yoga sessions among the palm trees
- Historical walking tours (self-guided or docent-led)
- Photography workshops, poetry readings, and seasonal celebrations
Visitor Experience
- Hours: Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. (varies by season)
- Admission: Free to enter during daytime hours (events like Cinespia or concerts require tickets)
- Atmosphere: Peaceful, park-like, and beautifully landscaped—think weeping willows, reflecting pools, and century-old cypress trees.
- Etiquette: Visitors are asked to be respectful—this is an active cemetery. No loud music, running, or climbing on monuments.
Why It Stands Out
For a creative like yourself—especially one immersed in music, storytelling, and LA’s cultural currents—Hollywood Forever offers perspective, inspiration, and connection. It’s a place where history breathes, art thrives, and the boundary between memory and celebration dissolves.
Insider Tip: Visit Rudolph Valentino’s memorial on August 23—fans still leave red roses on the anniversary of his death, nearly 100 years later.
📍 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
🌐 hollywoodforever.com
More than marble and memory, Hollywood Forever is where Los Angeles comes to remember—and to rejoice.
