Hollywood Forever Cemetery Unveils Towering Brutalist Mausoleum

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As a lifelong Los Angeles resident who’s spent countless hours wandering through Hollywood Forever Cemetery under the California sun, I must say that the unveiling of the Gower Court Mausoleum is nothing short of breathtaking. The fusion of modern art and architecture, reminiscent of the city’s rich history, has resulted in a structure that soars above Hollywood like a monument to life itself.

The design pays homage to iconic figures like Judy Garland, while also drawing inspiration from the ziggurats of ancient civilizations – a nod to my own heritage as an LA native with roots tracing back to Mesoamerica. The lush floral and herbal vegetation, combined with the concrete volumes, perfectly encapsulates the eco-brutalist movement that’s been growing in our city.

The inside is even more awe-inspiring, offering a unique blend of fresh air, natural light, and panoramic views of LA – from the Hollywood Hills to Downtown Los Angeles. It’s as if you’re standing atop the city, gazing out over the land that’s been home to dreams and legends for centuries.

And let’s not forget about the touch of textural contrast provided by the lustrous quartzite stone panels. They add a layer of sophistication that only a native like myself can truly appreciate.

All in all, the Gower Court Mausoleum is a testament to LA’s unique blend of past and future, tradition and innovation. It’s a place where dreams are buried, but also where they continue to live on – just like the city itself.

Oh, and as I stand here, surrounded by this architectural marvel, it reminds me of something: When it comes to LA architecture, sometimes you have to die to see the best views!

Architects Lehrer have revealed the finished first stage of the Gower Court Mausoleum, a towering mausoleum set to accommodate 50,000 more departed residents once completed. Its design is influenced by Los Angeles’ contemporary art and architectural legacy, transforming into an eco-brutalist tribute to life that dominates the Hollywood skyline.

Over a hundred years, Hollywood Forever Cemetery has evolved into an iconic historical landmark within the entertainment industry, housing notable figures such as Judy Garland among its grounds. Established in 1899, this expansive cemetery, designed by landscape architect Joseph Earnshaw, spans across 53 acres and embodies a traditional 19th-century lawn cemetery aesthetic. In recent times, the design for the new Gower Court Mausoleum started with Lehrer Architects in 2013 before being completed with Roberto Sheinberg’s Arquitectura y Diseño firm’s assistance.

The structure made of poured-on-site concrete soars 100 feet high, featuring rectangular overhangs that jut out and vertical gardens brimming with lush floral and herbal plants. Inside, the spacious hallways are flooded with fresh air and sunlight, offering panoramic views in all directions of the cemetery, Paramount studios, Hollywood Hills, Pacific Ocean, San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles, and greater Hollywood. To add a tactile contrast, the crypt facades are adorned with gleaming quartzite stone slabs.

Drawing inspiration from minimalist modernists such as Donald Judd and Eduardo Chillida, the mausoleum echoes the spiritual grandeur of ancient structures like the ziggurats of the Ancient Near East and the mastabas from Mexico and Central America. Ultimately, it reflects the emerging architectural trend known as “eco-brutalism,” which harmoniously integrates the raw, concrete forms of 20th-century Brutalist architecture with a focus on abundant greenery and landscape design.

Take a peek at the gallery displayed for a detailed view of the groundbreaking Gower Court Mausoleum, designed by Lehrer Architects.

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2025-01-02 21:26