Architects Lehrer Architects LA and Arquitectura y Diseño have just unveiled the first phase of the Gower Mausoleum at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, United States. This innovative vertical structure, rising 100 feet, is set to provide eternal resting spaces for over 50,000 individuals, while also serving as a cultural and spiritual landmark in the heart of Hollywood.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery, established in 1899, is a 53-acre historic site and one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles. Over the years, it has become a unique cultural hub, hosting events such as outdoor film screenings, concerts, and the celebrated Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. It is also the final resting place of many notable figures, including Judy Garland and Rudolph Valentino.
Designed by Michael B. Lehrer, FAIA, of Lehrer Architects LA, and completed by Roberto Sheinberg of Arquitectura y Diseño, the Gower Mausoleum preserves ground space by incorporating 22,500 crypts and 30,000 niches for cremated remains in its final form. The structure features open breezeways, stepped gardens, and contemplative balconies, offering sweeping views of Hollywood, including the Hollywood sign.
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Designing Above-Ground Cemeteries: Challenges and SolutionsThe mausoleum aims to integrate architecture and community, creating a destination for reflection while honoring the cemetery's historic significance and modern role in Los Angeles culture. Landscaping by Studio-MLA adds cascading greenery, rooftop gardens, and tranquil water walls, blending nature and architecture seamlessly. Construction on the next phase is set to begin in 2025, promising to further transform this historic landmark.
In other similar news in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has announced that its new David Geffen Galleries, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, will open to the public in April 2026 as part of its ongoing campus redevelopment. Meanwhile, as the spotlight shifts to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics, the city is expected to bring its own unique perspective to urban planning, potentially blending innovative design with minimal new construction, drawing inspiration from Paris' integration of cultural landmarks during the 2024 Games.
