forest lawn sections

Forest Lawn Sections

By Daniel WilsonJanuary 1, 2026

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Forest Lawn offers a sanctuary of tranquility and scenic beauty that has captivated visitors for generations. This iconic cemetery, established in 1906, is renowned for its sprawling, meticulously landscaped grounds, rich history, and notable residents. With several distinct sections, each showcasing unique architectural styles and themes, Forest Lawn welcomes you on a journey through time, art, and culture.

Spanning over 300 acres, Forest Lawn encompasses several distinct sections, each offering a unique blend of tranquility, history, and art. From the historic Fairmont Park section to the serene Little Forest, each area tells a story and offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the diverse beauty of this iconic cemetery.

Historic Sections: timeline of art and architecture

The historic sections of Forest Lawn bear witness to the evolution of art, architecture, and landscaping throughout the 20th century. Here, you'll find a fusion of styles, from Classical Revival to Art Deco, that transports visitors on a journey through time.

the different types of trees and shrubs are shown

a row of trees in the middle of a grassy field

These historic sections are not merely resting places but open-air museums, showcasing an extensive collection of sculpture, paintings, and mosaics. Many of these artworks were commissioned by the founders of Forest Lawn to honor various historical and cultural figures.

Fairmont Park Section

Born out of the 1889 Los Angeles Sherman Library and Museum competition, Fairmont Park is the oldest and most historic section of Forest Lawn. This section is a remarkable example of early 20th-century landscaping and architecture, with rolling green hills, lush foliage, and iconic monuments.

a large lawn surrounded by lots of purple flowers

43 Yard Landscaping Ideas 2026: Front, Backyard and Side Yard Designs for Every Budget - placeideal.com

a lush green park filled with lots of trees and flowers covered in yellow and orange flowers

Notable residents include Hollywood silent film star, Harold Lloyd, and industrialist, Henry E. Huntington. The Fairmont Park section features the Cathedral Grotto, inspired by the marble beauty of the multiplied grottos found in the gardens of Italy. Here, you can find the marble reproduction of Michelangelo's Crucifixion of St. Peter.

Church Section

Commissioned during the late 1920s, the Church section of Forest Lawn is a striking example of Art Deco and Gothic architectural influences. This area was designed by the renowned architect, Bertram Goodhue, who drew inspiration from the grand cathedrals of Europe.

At its heart lies the iconic Great Hall of Freedom, a magnificent testament to the architectural and artistic genius of the era. This hall features a breathtaking stained-glass ceiling and is home to the famed Liberty Bell replica. The Church section is also the final resting place of numerous notable figures, including famed aviator, Amelia Earhart, and legendary baseball player, Ted Williams.

an aerial view of a green golf course with trees in the foreground and grass on the far side

a garden with lots of flowers and trees in the background is an image of a path through

the garden design is shown in two separate sections

a garden with lots of different types of plants and trees in it's borders

Lullabyland, Forest Lawn, Glendale, California

25 Forest Landscape Designs for Spaces Among Trees

Theme Sections: Unique Sanctuaries of Reflection

Beyond the historic sections, Forest Lawn offers several theme sections, each designed to provide a unique and meaningful setting for reflection. These areas blend natural beauty and artistic expression to create serene and calming spaces.

Each theme section offers a distinct landscape and architectural style, inviting visitors to explore and find a connection with nature.

Little Forest

Originally designed as a personal retreat for the founder of Forest Lawn, Dr. Huell Howser, Little Forest offers a tranquil, secluded atmosphere. This section is characterized by its dense vegetation, winding paths, and serene ponds, providing a peaceful sanctuary for due consideration and remembrance.

two different views of trees in the woods

an artistic rendering of trees in the middle of a forest with foggy sky above

a lush green forest with lots of flowers and plants growing on the side of it

the backyard food forest design seven layers in one footprint

many different types of flowers line the side of a row of trees in a garden

a garden with various types of plants and flowers in it, including trees, bushes, shrubs

the different types of trees and shrubs are shown in this graphic diagram, which shows how they

Matthew Perry buried in private, star-studded section of LA cemetery

Top 111 Garden Layout Ideas for Different Garden Types - botanicalmood.com

a lush green lawn surrounded by white flowers and bushes in front of a tall hedge

a path in the middle of a forest with lots of trees and plants on both sides

Little Forest is home to the eccentric grave of Dr. Howard, featuring a life-sized red dinosaur/upholstered chair hybrid, reflecting his unique and humorous personality.

Freedom Plaza

Freedom Plaza stands as a testament to American patriotism and democracy. This section is designed as an open, airy space, filled with native trees and commemorative memorials. The centerpiece of Freedom Plaza is the American flag, standing tall and proud, symbolizing unity, strength, and hope.

At the heart of Freedom Plaza lies the Freedom Bell, a full-size replica of the historic Liberty Bell, which tolls daily at noon to honor and remember all those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

As you wander through the various sections of Forest Lawn, each with its unique character and beauty, you cannot help but feel a profound sense of connection to the past and the enduring power of remembrance. From the historic to the whimsical, Forest Lawn invites you to explore, reflect, and honor the lives of those who have come before us.