The Hollywood Cemetery that turns into an outdoor cinema

The oldest cemetery in Los Angeles, more commonly known as Hollywood Forever Cemetery, is located on Santa Monica Boulevard in the Hollywood district. It's not hard to find, as it is adjacent to Paramount Pictures studios, which for many film and television lovers is a must-visit on their trip to the home of cinema.

More and more travelers are choosing to include visits to cemeteries where prominent personalities rest in their itineraries. In this burial ground, there are several notable figures from the entertainment world as well as those who played significant roles in the development of the city of Los Angeles.

The entrance, despite becoming a very popular attraction, is free, and there are maps and informational documents detailing the locations of some graves or the most impressive monuments. And yes, it's wise to obtain this information and not just venture out, as the dimensions are quite large. More than 16 acres to be a bit more precise.

What makes this cemetery unique is that it is often chosen as a venue for various events, from music recitals, tributes to those who rest there, and even outdoor performances or movie screenings.

And this last point is what we want to talk to you about, as from May to October, Hollywood Forever transforms into a true summer cinema where you can experience something very special.

Since 2002, in collaboration with the film organization Cinepsia, classic films are screened at the cemetery. While it may sound a bit strange at first, it's quite a wonderful experience. Evidence of its success is that up to a thousand people can gather.

If you're planning a visit to Hollywood, you can't miss this activity, as in addition to enjoying a blockbuster film, you'll experience Hollywood immersion at its finest. Movies are projected onto the wall of a mausoleum located in the Fairbanks Field area at sunset. The audience usually comes fully prepared with blankets, picnic baskets, and chairs to enjoy a unique event in a very special atmosphere.

You can bring food and drinks without any problem. Beer and wine are allowed, but higher-alcohol beverages are prohibited. However, if you arrive just as you are, you can also purchase some food there. And, although entry to the cemetery is free, there is usually a fee for the screening that ranges from €20 to €40, depending on the selected area and the film.

Some sessions are also enlivened with DJs, photo booths, and occasionally the presence of some stars from the movie being screened.

In addition to enjoying a summer movie screening, walking among the graves in Hollywood Forever Cemetery is like strolling through some movie scenes, as films such as Blade Runner and Mulholland Drive have been filmed there. Series like Dexter, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Six Feet Under were also shot in this location.

And if you're a dedicated cemetery enthusiast, you can also walk among the gravestones and mausoleums where you'll find Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, director and producer Cecil B. DeMille, and the first African American actress to win an Oscar, Hattie McDaniel, among others.

In addition, musicians like Johnny Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, and Chris Cornell are also laid to rest there. And if you'd like to discover even more secrets, don't miss the documentary about the cemetery made in 2000 titled The Young and the Dead.