The new vertical mausoleum at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, designed by Lehrer Architects LA
Los Angeles’ historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery has embarked on a transformative expansion with the unveiling of the first phase of its new vertical mausoleum. Designed by the award-winning firm Lehrer Architects LA, led by AIA Los Angeles Gold Medalist Michael B. Lehrer, FAIA, in collaboration with Roberto Sheinberg’s Arquitectura y Diseño, this monumental structure will accommodate over 50,000 deceased Angelenos. With its completion, the cemetery will extend its legacy by another half-century, offering 22,500 new crypt spaces and 30,000 niches for ashes within a design that harmonizes with the cultural and historical significance of the site.
The towering Gower Mausoleum, standing at 100 feet, integrates open breezeways and a stepped-garden streetfront, visually linking the cemetery to Paramount Studios and aligning on an axis with the Hollywood sign. The structure is envisioned as both a cultural and spiritual landmark, fostering a public space bathed in natural light and fresh air, while offering panoramic views of the city. By embracing its role as a communal gathering place, the mausoleum reinforces Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s role as a living landmark that bridges past and present.
Established in 1899 and originally designed by landscape architect Joseph Earnshaw, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery has long been a focal point of Los Angeles’ history. Featuring curving pathways and open landscapes intended for contemplation, it was revitalized in 1998, ensuring continued relevance as both a burial site and a cultural hub. The cemetery is the final resting place of entertainment icons such as Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, and Chris Cornell, and has evolved into a space that hosts outdoor film screenings, concerts, and the renowned DÃa de los Muertos celebration.
To support the ongoing demand for burial space, Hollywood Forever engaged Lehrer Architects LA, a firm deeply rooted in the Los Angeles community. With over three decades of experience in designing spaces that provide shelter and identity, the firm was a natural choice to lead this expansion. Roberto Sheinberg, who collaborated with Lehrer for a decade, played a pivotal role in the mausoleum’s realization, ensuring the seamless execution of the design through his firm AyD.
The mausoleum’s architecture is conceived as a vertical topographical landscape, preserving the remaining scarce real estate while providing an innovative approach to interment. Drawing inspiration from minimalist artists such as Donald Judd and Eduardo Chillida, as well as ancient structures like ziggurats and mastabas, the design balances imposing concrete volumes with intricate geometric patterns. The interplay of light and shadow creates a striking visual experience, with crypt-fronts adorned in quartzites sourced from Brazil, offering both aesthetic cohesion and wayfinding functionality.
Engineered to withstand the immense weight of stacked coffins, the structure employs a honeycomb-like configuration of three-inch concrete slabs, ensuring both stability and openness. Its cantilevered volumes extend over Gower Street, reshaping the urban fabric by transforming an ordinary street into a space of significance. Despite the structural complexities, the original design vision remained intact, made possible through the expertise of structural engineers Brandow and Johnston.
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Michael B. Lehrer emphasizes the mausoleum’s role as a home, not only for the deceased but for the collective memory of the city. Designed to be a sanctuary that nurtures the soul, the structure resonates with Hollywood’s ephemeral yet enduring spirit. Roberto Sheinberg echoes this sentiment, underscoring the balance between dense architectural elements and open, contemplative spaces that celebrate life within the urban landscape.
Studio-MLA, led by landscape architect Mia Lehrer, played a crucial role in integrating greenery throughout the structure, from ground-level gardens to rooftop terraces. Inspired by the natural beauty of Los Angeles, the landscape design features cascading vines, bougainvillea, rosemary, and Italian cypresses, softening the concrete mass while fostering moments of reflection. The rooftop garden, with its olive trees and blue palms, offers a final immersive experience, blending the built environment with nature.
The first phase of the mausoleum, comprising 5,000 crypts and 8,000 niches, was completed over four and a half years and is now operational. The subsequent phase, scheduled for construction in 2025, will add 6,500 crypts and nearly 10,000 niches, with the final phase bringing the total structure to 160,000 square feet. This ambitious undertaking redefines Hollywood Forever Cemetery, ensuring its continued role as a cultural and architectural landmark for generations to come.
All images by Tim Griffith, courtesy of Lehrer Architects LA, shared with permission
