Over the years, I have had the opportunity to visit dozens of cemeteries in and around the Los Angeles area. One thing I have discovered is the vast collection of phenomenal artwork included within the grounds. From simple statuary to a full scale reproduction of the last supper in stained glass, there is so much more to see while grave hunting than just the graves of the famous.
My first experience was during a grave hunting adventure to Hollywood Forever cemetery when I stepped into the darkened mausoleum and came face to face with several 8 foot tall sculptures of the apostles lining the walls of the main corridor. While a startling find, I was mesmerized by the grandeur and exquisite detail of these works of art. These enormous carvings were more than a tribute to the faith. I found it to be like stepping into the halls of a great museum.
As I exited the darkness of the mausoleum building I turned to my left and came upon a large reflecting pool with and enormous memorial at the far end. This turned out to be the final resting place of the great Douglass Fairbanks and his son Douglas Fairbanks Jr. The memorial stood ten feet tall made completely of white marble, beautifully engraved with "Good night sweet princes, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest". As I stood before the herculean monument, I was quick to forget I was standing at a gravesite with the artistry created in stone.
As I looked over the grounds on a clear sunny day, I was drawn to a large lake with a small island in the center. Set on this plot of land was a magnificent structure of white marble shining in the sunlight. As a crossed the small bridge spanning the lake, this building towered over me with its Greek inspired columns and structure. The family crypt of the Clarke family is more than marble and stone. The attention to detail has created an everlasting artistic creation for generations to marvel in.
My next grave hunt brought me to the Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale California. Here the founder, Dr. Eaton, makes the cemetery into a living museum with every part of the park created to include replicas of some of the most recognizable artwork in the world.
As I toured the graves, I came upon a life size replica of the statue of David by Michael Angelo by the side of the road. I pulled over to take a closer look and found this white marble statue perfect in every detail. As I entered the small garden to the right of the statue, there was a stunningly beautiful marble structure on the opposite side of the small inlet. As I approached, I counted 18 life size statues included in this original artwork in marble complete with a working fountain by artisan Ernesto Gazzeri.
Continuing my tour of the grounds, I parked in front of the Great Mausoleum, this building a work of art itself with towering corridors and stained glass in the traditional gothic architecture.
As I entered the Memorial Terrace, I found replica's of The Pieta, and some of Michael Angelo's greatest works of art. But to my surprise was the magnificent reproduction of the Last Supper made completely of stained glass with a presentation of light and sound to dizzy the senses. This presentation of Michael Angelo's great work is not to be missed as the artist, Rosa Moretti used the original sketches from the great master to complete her tribute.
My next tour took me to Valhalla cemetery where I entered the memorial park and found an exquisite domed memorial to the pioneers of flight. This memorial, named Portal of the Folded Wings shrine, holds the final burial place for thirteen of the greats in aviation and a cenotaph to the great Amelia Earhart.
Another of the works of art is a scale model of the Space Shuttle Challenger with a bronze plaque dedicated to the lost crew. A haunting remembrance of that first day of February 2003, when the Challenger disintegrated upon take off.
As I continue my trek across the cemeteries of the world, I continue to be amazed at the genuine artistry held within the walls and gardens of stone. Truly, some of the great landmarks of 21st century.
