What Hollywood Forever Cemetery Is

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a 6-acre burial ground in central Los Angeles, founded in 1899, that holds the remains of hundreds of entertainment industry figures. It sits at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, California, and operates as both an active cemetery and a cultural landmark. The grounds include mausoleums, gardens, and a lake, and the cemetery hosts public events including outdoor film screenings during summer months.

Unlike many cemeteries that restrict access or limit visiting hours, Hollywood Forever maintains relatively open grounds during daylight hours. The cemetery is nonsectarian, meaning it accepts burials regardless of religious affiliation, and it remains one of the few places in Los Angeles where you can walk among graves of major film and music figures from the early twentieth century onward.

Key Takeaways

  • Hollywood Forever is located at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood and is open to visitors during daylight hours without requiring advance permission.
  • The cemetery holds the remains of silent film stars, Golden Age actors, musicians, and entertainment industry workers dating back to the early 1900s.
  • Notable burials include Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Mel Blanc, and many others whose names appear on publicly accessible grave markers and monuments.
  • The cemetery hosts outdoor movie screenings on the mausoleum wall during summer, turning the grounds into a public gathering space.
  • Maps and guides are available at the entrance or online, and staff can direct you to specific graves if you call ahead.

Notable People Buried at Hollywood Forever

The cemetery contains graves of major Hollywood figures across multiple eras. Judy Garland, who played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, is buried in the Sanctuary of Legends. Mickey Rooney, one of the most prolific actors of the twentieth century, is also interred there. Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny and dozens of other cartoon characters, has a grave marked with a straightforward stone.

Beyond the most famous names, the cemetery holds burial sites of cinematographers, composers, stunt performers, and other workers whose names appear in film credits but are less widely known. Peter Lorre, Jayne Mansfield, and John Huston are among the directors and character actors buried on the grounds. The cemetery also contains graves of silent film era performers whose work predates sound film, making it a physical record of Hollywood's earliest decades.

The cemetery maintains records of who is buried where, and many graves have public markers with names, dates, and sometimes photographs or epitaphs. Some monuments are elaborate stone structures; others are straightforward plaques set into the ground.

How to Visit and Find Specific Graves

Hollywood Forever is open to the public during daylight hours, typically from sunrise to sunset, though exact hours vary by season. You can enter through the main gate at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard without advance notice. Parking is available on the grounds, and the cemetery is accessible by car or public transit (the Hollywood/Vine Metro station is nearby).

To locate a specific grave, you have several options. The cemetery office, located near the entrance, can provide a map or direct you in person if you stop by during business hours. You can also call ahead at the main number to ask staff for directions to a particular burial site. Many popular graves are marked on informal visitor maps available online or at the entrance.

If you are visiting without a specific person in mind, walking the grounds is possible. The cemetery is laid out in sections, and you can explore the gardens, mausoleums, and lake area. Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are expansive and involve some walking on paths and grass.

Summer Film Screenings and Public Events

Hollywood Forever hosts Cinespia, a series of outdoor movie screenings held during summer months (typically May through October). Films are projected onto the side of the mausoleum building at dusk, and attendees bring blankets and chairs to watch on the cemetery grounds. The screenings are free or low-cost, though donations are encouraged, and they draw hundreds of people each night.

The screenings include classic Hollywood films, cult favorites, and recent releases, often with thematic connections to the season or to films buried figures appeared in. Past screenings have included Singin' in the Rain, Sunset Boulevard, and The Wizard of Oz. The event has become a well-known Los Angeles summer tradition and is one of the few ways the cemetery actively engages the public beyond individual visits.

The cemetery also hosts occasional special events, memorial services, and cultural programs. Information about upcoming events is posted on the cemetery's website and social media accounts.

The Cemetery's History and Architecture

Hollywood Forever was established in 1899, when the area was still largely undeveloped land outside Los Angeles proper. As the film industry grew in Hollywood during the 1910s and 1920s, the cemetery became the burial place of choice for entertainment figures. The grounds were designed with landscaping, water features, and mausoleum buildings that reflect early twentieth-century cemetery design.

The most prominent structure is the Cathedral Mausoleum, a large building housing hundreds of burial niches. The grounds also include the Sanctuary of Legends, where many of the most famous figures are buried, and various garden areas with themed plantings. A small lake sits in the center of the property, adding to the park-like atmosphere.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the cemetery underwent restoration after years of decline. The Cinespia film series began in 2000 as a fundraising effort and has since become the cemetery's most visible public program. The restoration work brought renewed attention to the grounds and helped establish it as a cultural destination rather than straightforward a burial site.

What to Know Before You Go

Visiting a cemetery requires basic respect for the space and the people buried there. Keep noise low, stay on marked paths, and do not disturb grave markers or flowers left by family members. Photography is generally permitted for personal use, though commercial photography may require permission from the cemetery office.

The grounds can be uneven in places, and some areas are shaded while others are fully exposed to sun. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes if you plan to spend more than a few minutes exploring. The cemetery has limited facilities, so plan accordingly.

If you are looking for a specific person and cannot find the grave, the office staff are usually helpful. Having the person's full name and approximate year of death makes the search easier. Some very old graves may be harder to locate if markers have deteriorated or been moved during grounds maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Hollywood Forever without paying an entrance fee?

Yes. The cemetery is open to the public during daylight hours at no cost. The Cinespia film screenings in summer are free or low-cost, though donations support the cemetery's operations and restoration efforts.

What time does the cemetery close each day?

Hours vary by season but generally follow sunrise to sunset. Call the cemetery office or check their website for exact closing times on the day you plan to visit, as hours change with daylight.

Do I need to know where someone is buried before I visit?

No. You can walk the grounds freely and explore. If you are looking for a specific person, call ahead or stop at the office when you arrive, and staff can point you in the right direction or provide a map.

Are there restrooms or food vendors on the grounds?

The cemetery has limited facilities. Restrooms are available near the office. There are no food vendors, so bring water and snacks if you plan to spend several hours exploring.

Can I bring children to Hollywood Forever?

Yes. Many families visit, and the grounds are safe and walkable. The summer film screenings are family-friendly and popular with children. Explain to children that the cemetery is a place of respect for people who have died.