What Is a Garden Crypt and an Open-Air Tribute?
Throughout history and in various cultures, many families have chosen above-ground placement as an alternative to traditional in-ground burial.
- An individual chamber that holds a casket above the earth is known as a crypt.
- When these chambers are located within an indoor building, that structure is called a traditional mausoleum.
A garden crypt is another kind of above-ground resting place that is situated on an exterior wall or within an outdoor courtyard setting. Instead of entering an enclosed indoor hallway, family members can gather in a park-like space, surrounded by fresh air and sunshine. A garden crypt may also be referred to as a garden mausoleum.
What’s the Difference Between a Garden Crypt and a Mausoleum?
The main difference between a garden crypt and a mausoleum is in the surrounding environment and the visitor experience. A garden crypt is built outdoors, allowing you to pay your respects in an open-air, nature-centered setting. A traditional mausoleum, on the other hand, is a fully enclosed indoor building where visiting families walk down carpeted or tiled interior corridors.
| Feature | Outdoor Garden Crypt | Traditional Mausoleum |
| Setting | Open-air courtyard, exterior wall, or park-like setting | Fully enclosed indoor building |
| Atmosphere | Bright, natural sunlight with fresh air and greenery | Quiet, reflective, sheltered indoor hallways |
| Weather Protection | Sheltered chambers with outdoor exposure for visitors | Full shelter from rain, wind, and outdoor heat |
| Interaction With Nature | Direct contact with surrounding lawns and gardens | View of the outdoors through stained glass or windows |
How Does Above-Ground Entombment Work?
An above-ground resting place provides a permanent, orderly environment, and the entire placement process follows a specific sequence.
The Stacking Design
Each chamber is built into sturdy concrete walls that are arranged horizontally and vertically in rows. This design allows families to rest near one another in a unified structure.
The Secure Seal
Once a loved one is placed inside their designated chamber, the opening is secured with a protective inner seal.
The Facing Stone
The exterior is then covered with a polished stone front, normally made from marble or granite. This stone face can display engraved names, meaningful dates, etc.
Four Reasons Why Families Choose Above-Ground Spaces
Every family approaches remembrance through the lens of their own values, traditions, and emotional needs.
Here are four reasons why many choose above-ground memorial spaces:
1. A Comfortable Visiting Environment
Outdoor garden spaces and bright, airy corridors create a comforting environment where family members can sit and reflect on fond memories.
2. Protection From the Elements
Above-ground options appeal to those who find comfort in knowing their loved one is within a structurally engineered concrete enclosure, elevated from the soil and rain.
3. Artistic Inspiration and Heritage
Above-ground spaces of remembrance are associated with architectural beauty and honor. Choosing a crypt allows families to take part in a timeless tradition.
4. Affordability and Value
Above-ground burial is a practical choice. It provides a permanent option without the expenses that may come with a traditional burial plot.
Garden Crypts and Mausoleums at Hollywood Forever
For families looking to keep costs down, above-ground spaces are the more economical choice at Hollywood Forever. Because land is limited, the cemetery’s mausoleum crypts offer a much more affordable option for full-body burial than traditional in-ground plots, without sacrificing a beautiful resting place.
If you are drawn to the tranquility of an open-air tribute, locations like the Fairbanks Gardens provide serene garden crypts surrounded by greenery and reflecting pools. Hollywood Forever is also introducing the magnificent new Gower Mausoleum, featuring 25,000 crypts in hanging gardens. These spaces allow visitors to take in fresh air and sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Crypts
How does a lawn crypt differ from a traditional ground burial?
A lawn crypt is different from a traditional ground burial in that a lawn crypt is a subterranean memorial space where clean, dry concrete chambers are pre-installed just below the lawn surface.
In a traditional ground burial, a casket is lowered directly into the earth, usually inside a separate outer burial container.
What are companion crypts?
Companion crypts accommodate two caskets. They are a comforting choice for couples or close family members who wish to share their final resting place side by side or end to end.
Are above-ground spaces more costly than ground burial options?
The cost varies based on location, materials, and personal preferences. While a crypt inside a grand mausoleum reflects premium craftsmanship, it may eliminate the need for certain additional costs associated with ground burial.
Can cremated remains be placed in a garden crypt or a mausoleum?
Yes, above-ground structures are an option for families choosing cremation. Garden structures and traditional mausoleums may feature beautifully detailed niches, which are smaller spaces that hold urns securely.
Also, many cemeteries allow cremated remains to be placed inside a standard garden crypt or mausoleum crypt, either on their own or alongside a casket.
