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    Forest Lawn Museum

    4.7 (72 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Forest Lawn Museum Photos

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    Aaron O.

    A hidden gem built right into the middle of a cemetery. When I learned that there was a museum in the middle of Forest Lawn Cemetery, I was intrigued and had to see it for myself. I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised by the museum. Not only did they have a ton(!) of free parking there, an absolutely unbeatable view from the mountaintop, and it was also nearly empty. My wife and I felt like we almost had the place to ourselves! They seem to consistently have a rotating exhibition in the main building, with a small but pretty killer permanent collection of marble statues in the front section. When we went the most recent time, they had a beautiful collection of stained glass windows, all hundreds of years old. And while of that was amazing, probably the most unique thing I remember is the absolutely gigantic panoramic piece housed in its own building. The building to the left of the main museum space is built especially for this single work of art, and man is it impressive - both the building and the artwork! This place is worth a visit. I come out everytime they change exhibitions.

    Welcome to Forest Lawn Museum.
    Carl N.

    Forest Lawn Museum (est 1952) is a small museum that is home to rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of painting, sculpture, stained glass, and more. It's located within the northern most part of F.L. Cemetery in Glendale. Who knew?! Right? L0L. I arrived on a breezy Sunday noon in the year 2023 of October. I spent an hour to fully explore the museum. The best part of this museum was it has free admission, the huge free parking lot and impeccable view of the valley. As an art enthusiast I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this museum. And I highly recommend you visit.

    Jan Styka's "The Crucifixion" is HUGE! Non-profits can apply to hold meetings in this 800-person theater for free!
    Kathryn C.

    I've passed Forest Lawn so many times on my commute down the 2 Freeway, but I'd never entered until today when a group of friends and I went on a tour of the museum and mausoleum. After driving through the massive grounds of the cemetery, up a hill, we arrived at the museum. The view Glendale and Burbank from the top was fantastic! Entry to the museum was free, and our tour guide, Harrison, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The permanent and temporary art was great to see. I especially enjoyed some of the huge contemporary stained glass pieces. Don't let the fact that this is in a cemetery stop you from checking it out!

    Sunset
    Rebecca J.

    A gorgeous cemetery and place to visit to see the crucifixion painting . The 20 min presentation really did a beautiful job of transporting you back in time . Make sure to visit the beautiful stained glass Last Supper art as well . The grounds are gorgeous and well kept and you can see a beautiful sunset from the upper lawn by the hall that includes the last supper art piece .

    Alexis B.

    I visited Forest Lawn Cemetery with some family a couple of weeks ago. We started at the Museum. Unfortunately, they were about to open their new exhibit, so we couldn't see much at all (just a front room with a few sculptures and the gift shop). Bad timing! But we were also able to grab maps of the property (an art map was very helpful) there and ask some questions in the gift shop about what we should make a point to check out while exploring. I'd be happy to check it out again when they have an exhibit open.

    Eli C.

    I've been coming to different exhibits here for a long time. Always excellent. I find new artists and learn something with every visit. Not only is the art magical but the location is too. The views are stunning as are the grounds. A very peaceful place. Beautiful greenery and trees. Huge gigantic awe inducing trees all over the place. I also find fun things in the museum store. We had the pleasure of speaking with Harrison yesterday. He was very polite, knowledgeable and fun to chat with. What a treasure this museum is. And it's free. That's just very awesome. Thank you for being a magical place for all to enjoy. The living and the deceased.

    The Immersive World of Panoramas!
    Christina Y.

    Whoever knew that there would be a museum at a cemetery? On this particular day, my partner and I decided to make a stop at the museum because of their Immersive World of Panoramas exhibit. The museum is perched on top of a hill above the main campus of Forest Lawn. Once you're inside, it feels like you're inside a cathedral hall. There are various paintings, sculptures, and dioramas that have a religious overtone reflecting spirituality and the afterlife. The view of the cityscape is also breathtaking. Also, check out the little gift shop inside after your visit. There are many cute trinkets and items that are interesting.

    Teresa A.

    I went to Forest Lawn Museum recently to see the the Bob Baker Marionette: 60 Years of Joy and Wonder exhibit. I enjoyed my time there. The exhibit was perfect. The staff were friendly. The museum space is nice and I liked seeing all that was on display.

    The view from terrace at the back of museum
    Keo N.

    This place is to die for. It is this whole other side of LA you don't see. Total pun intended. Great exhibit going on right now at this museum on the Judson stained glass studios. Free entry and lots sculpture and art all around. There is a ginormous and truly amazing painting in the auditorium of the Cruxification, literally the best kept secret in LA. The painting is 195 feet long x 45 feet high. Go on the guided tours and they might show how the curtain will close half way and another picture appears and that will be of the ascension. Painted by Polish artist Jan Styka, it was originally brought by Styka to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904. You can read the rest at https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://forestlawn.com/exhibits/the-hall-of-crucifixion-resurrection/&ved=2ahUKEwjWu6WE8tbyAhVKV80KHdFJAvMQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3q8492tbmy5hEanZzMt-sX&cshid=1630263147133

    Wings of Beauty by Ildebrando Bastiani
    Maria E.

    An awesome (and free) museum, hidden within Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM. EXHIBITS: It's not big but it isn't tiny either. They switch up their exhibitions and also have some lovely permanent pieces. I was enamored with the two statues by Ildebrando Bastiani (Wings of Beauty and Dreams by the Sea). There is also a beautiful area in the back of the museum (outside). Multiple statues and gorgeous views. HALL OF CRUCIFIXION-RESURRECTION: Additionally, make sure you go into the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection (the building next door). It has some beautiful pieces of stained glass but most importantly, holds the largest religious painting ever created. The Crucifixion by Jan Styka is huge. You need to use your phone's panorama mode to capture it. I understand that they do some sort of audio presentation throughout the day but luckily, the curtains were open when I came by and I got to view the painting without waiting for the presentation to begin. MAUSOLEUM: Make sure you see the mausoleum (open for public viewing from 9 AM - 430 PM). It's in a separate area from the museum and you have to drive a couple minutes. I saw a few references to it within the museum but it didn't quite prepare me for what I was about to see. First of all, there is a large stained glass recreation of Da Vinci's The Last Supper. There are also multiple replicas of Michelangelo's famous works. FYI: The cemetery does have a David replica but it's in a different place (outside). I tried to see it but there was a funeral nearby, with lots of people in the road. I felt uneasy and ended up turning around. Back to the mausoleum. There are lots of beautiful statues all around so make sure you see it all. Just remember, this is an actual functional mausoleum and you are surrounded by real humans that have ceased to be. I'm not sure if photos are allowed (probably not). The last thing I'll say is -- make sure you go downstairs. There is a small area that is less religious, even secular. It's called The Poet's Windows. It has beautiful stained glass imagery coupled with charming poetry (Tennyson, etc.). This juxtaposition even brought a tear to my eye, it was so lovely. MUSEUM GIFT SHOP: Cute gift shop with a surprisingly nice selection. FRIENDLY SERVICE: I briefly spoke with the woman working at the gift shop (she was the only staff member I encountered at the museum). I had some questions about other sights and she was extremely friendly and helpful, providing me with a brochure/map. I also spoke with someone at the cemetery lobby and received the same friendly and helpful treatment. GETTING THERE: There is ample signage within the cemetery but you can also stop at the cemetery lobby and ask for a map. PARKING: Very large parking area for the museum. The mausoleum has a parking area as well. The whole cemetery is really beautiful and oddly uplifting. It sounds insensitive to say that when you're visiting for a leisurely reason, I'm sure. However, the cemetery's founder intended for the space to signal a beginning and not an end. His intention was to create a space where "lovers new and old shall love to stroll and watch the sunset's glow, planning for the future or reminiscing of the past; a place where artists study and sketch; where schoolteachers bring happy children to see the things they read of in books..." He didn't want doom and gloom, he wanted sunshine and inspiration. I'd say he succeeded.

    A FREE EVENT & FREE PARKING! Billboard for Dia De Los Muertes & Bob Baker Marionette Theater Sun. Oct.30 @ Forest Lawn Museum
    Stephen Z.

    AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! 5 STARS! A FREE EVENT CELEBRATING THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOB BAKER MARIONETTE THEATER, FREE ADMISSION, FREE ENTERTAINMENT, FREE PARKING, FREE FOOD, FREE BEVERAGES, & FREE DESSERTS! NOW, HOW CAN YOU BEAT THAT? I LEFT HERE STUFFED! HONESTLY, THIS WAS THE BEST TIME I'VE EVER HAD AT A CEMETERY! LOL! Now the opening bash is all over. The Good News is it's still Free Admission for the Puppet exhibition & the Museum & Resurrection Hall too. The is all on display until March 19 2023. & there's still Free Parking also. Don't miss this. The exhibit includes vintage puppets, old school videos, posters & photos including Elvis, Spielberg & Lil' Nas X & many others. They have the largest oil painting on canvas in the entire world. You have to see it! IT'S GINORMOUS! From the moment you pull up to those Humungous Gates that are taller than Buckingham Palace you know this is not an ordinary cemetery. As a matter of fact they don't even call it a Cemetery it's called Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The Museum was celebrating the 60th Anniversary of The Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Now instead of Doom & Gloom that's usually associated with a Cemetery Forest Lawn in Glendale is trying to uplift the community with Art, Joy, Beauty & Happiness. As you drove up to the Museum & park you could see the festivities & the balloons. For the special occasion they had a DJ from OK Go. They also put on 2 great Free Puppet Shows with lots of Happy Faces in the audience from young to old. After the show you could meet the puppets close up. They had a huge spread of Free Food with hors-d'oeuvres, cheese & crackers Cookies, Cakes, Popcorn, Cotton Candy Beverages & Ice Cream & more. Afterwards you could visit the Art they have in the Museum & see some of their classic puppets too. The exhibit is called 60 Years of Joy & Wonder. When Bob was a child he started creating puppets in the 1930's. He opened his first marionette theater in 1963. This display pulls back the velvet curtain so you can see how some of the magic is created. These classic Bob Baker puppets have worked with the most elite in Hollywood. The King of Rock n Roll himself Elvis Presley, actress & legendary dancer Juliet Prowse, Judy Garland, Walt Disney, The 3 Stooges, Liberace, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Red Skelton, musicians Lil Nas X, Harry Styles & many others have all worked with Bob Baker. The exhibit features hand-crafted marionettes, there's an animatronic band, some original concept art, rare pictures & more! Most people actually forgot they were at a Cemetery because of having so much fun. They were all very respectful though. After visiting the exhibition you can also check out the gift store that is attached. There are also other sculptures like Abraham Lincoln in the museum as well. Afterwards head next door, you have to check out The Crucifixion painting, by Polish artist Jan Styka from the early 1900's. It is a massive art piece hanging on the wall at 195 foot wide & 45 foot tall. IT IS AMAZING! They also have a smaller Resurrection piece by American artist Robert Claras as an accompaniment painting. The Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM- 5 PM. All this Fun & Learning & IT'S All FREE! It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

    Kate Lý J.

    So cute!!! The Bob Baker exhibit was precious. So glad I got to see it while it was still here. Museum is free and the surrounding cemetery is gorgeous. So peaceful.

    Stuart W.

    Here at Forest Lawn Cemetery Museum for the 'Stained Glass-From Gothic to Street Art' Exhibit You don't want to miss this! I'll let my photos speak for themselves

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    Great place to visit on a Sunday afternoon without crowds. Interesting art exhibits. Free parking with beautiful scenery.

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    Ask the Community - Forest Lawn Museum

    Review Highlights - Forest Lawn Museum

    I had gone several years ago with my art history class to tour all the art located within the cemetery...

    Mentioned in 23 reviews

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    Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens - The stained glass houses on the Luminous Lawn were really beautiful and you can walk around in most of them! (Nov 2025)

    Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

    4.1(354 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    My mom and I took my kids to see the Christmas markets in France this past December. It was a…read morebucket list trip for my mom, and while my boys had a great time, the travel was complicated and arduous, mostly because of my wild three-year-old Wade B. A couple weeks later, my husband and I took the boys to the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. They had an absolute blast, and my five-year-old Leo B. declared, with utmost sincerity, "I think this is the nicest place I've ever been." Matt B. and I had been once before, almost a decade ago, with our friends Caroline Y. and Scott S., when we were all young and childless. We came back together, this time with five kids, and as much as I enjoyed it back in the day, I found it even more compelling this second time around. The magic was amplified ten times by the presence of my sons, who absolutely loved all the beautiful, colorful lights. I did buy them shitty Christmas light necklaces, one of which broke almost immediately, causing considerable strife. The alternative, of course, was to deny Wade his request before even entering the garden, where he would badger me every time he saw another child with the necklace. I was not surprised to see that most of the children seemed to have them, every parent having made the same calculation on their way in. Smart and evil of Descanso Gardens to put that vendor right by the entrance. I'm guessing Enchanted is their big revenue generator for the year, and this is a McKinseyish way to maximize. The kids oohed and aahed at every exhibit, marveling at all the colors and lights. We oohed and aahed right with them, and had the additional pleasure of watching them play and interact with the elaborate, immersive displays. They loved the tulip fields, the model trains, the stained glass houses, the trees and music and light. There was also a large platform that served as a dance floor for small children, who partied to the ambient music. Wade was especially taken with this stage, and the one part of the night that did not go well was when I yanked him away so we could see the rest of the installations. It was cold and the kids were up way past their bedtimes, but we all had a blast at the Enchanted Forest. When pressed, Leo admitted that Paris was in fact as nice as Descanso Gardens, but the point was made. Come Christmas, we can take the boys to France or we can just drive to La Cañada and buy a few tickets that support a wonderful botanical garden. We might even manage the latter every year.

    Wow! What an unexpectedly cool experience!…read more Pro tips: 1. Bring whatever you like to keep you very warm in weather that seems cool normally but in the woods is icy cold. It was 51 and according to the weather app felt like 47 but I'm here to tell you it was COLD COLD more like 32 imho and head, hands, neck and feet coverage is a must so you can enjoy it. Suggest a warm beanie, gloves, and a down type jacket. Definitely jeans or long pants. I grabbed a blanket from my car to wear! 2. It's an easy walk, but for those with wheelchairs or canes or walkers it can be bumpy and some areas are a bit tricky. Also given all the rain, it can be dirty dusty muddy so wear shoes you don't care about. 3. Bring your best camera bc the photo ops both with people and without are plentiful. Make sure everything is charged as there's no common area to charge things easily. I'm sure you can try the restaurant or store in case of emergencies. Or go back to your car. 4. Be prepared to walk a very slow mile. Lots to see and photograph. Took me about 1:15 and I took my time. You can definitely do this much faster if solo and not easily amused or maybe not big on pics. And you can take a lot longer if you like detail and creativity amidst a natural space. 5. It's dark despite tons of lighting so be wise when walking. 6. Parking is free and easy. Just follow the signs or people. There is a walk to the line from the car. Lots of walking in general. 7. Our park reservations were for 6pm. I arrived around 6:10 and the line took about 20 mins. Was done by 7:40. 8. Cute shopping at the beginning before entering an next to the line to get in. It is an outdoor nursery type shop and two small indoor Knick knack type stores. Prices are typical tourist type prices. Also next to it is a coffee and pastry stand but you have to go first and then get in line or get out of line if you have people to hold your place as there's a line to get goodies. 9. Farmhouse is a restaurant on site. Checkout their Yelp. Make reservations as they book up fast. Good for groups. Food imo is average. Standouts were the beet salad, French fries, short rib appetizer, salmon and halibut. They use minimal seasoning at this place so if your health requires less sodium you're good! Get the pan fried crispy skin salmon lol. 10. If you're trying to cut costs there's an El Pollo Loco right as you exit the freeway coming here and before going up the hill to the park. 11. Great holiday thing to do with a large group. Entertainment for most everyone. If you're an outdoorsy, artsy, creative loving, enjoy exercise and family time type, this will be right up your alley!

    Photos
    Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens - The beautiful Garden of Good Fortune! (Nov 2025)

    The beautiful Garden of Good Fortune! (Nov 2025)

    Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens - One of the food and drink stands with seating (Nov 2025)

    One of the food and drink stands with seating (Nov 2025)

    Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens - The stained glass houses on the Luminous Lawn were really beautiful and you can walk around in most of them! (Nov 2025)

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    The stained glass houses on the Luminous Lawn were really beautiful and you can walk around in most of them! (Nov 2025)

    Rockhaven Sanitarium

    Rockhaven Sanitarium

    4.7(3 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    RE: There's another review for Rockhaven Sanitarium at:…read more https://yelp.to/ZIov0ej5Kbb We Are Friends of Rockhaven! Agnes Richards founded Rockhaven in 1923 after being a psychiatric nurse and witnessing the cruel treatment of women with mental illness. She made sure to call each and every patient a resident, and treat them with respect. The beautiful history of Rockhaven Sanitarium (or home for the Golden Age Stars) is the most vivid piece of history that's been forgotten by so many. My favorite actress Billie Burke (Glinda, the good witch), Mrs. Topper, and, well, just too many of her parts to list resided there until her death. Do you remember Elly May Clampett? She was played by Donna Douglas, who was also a resident at Rockhaven as was, Clark Gable's first wife, Marilyn Monroe's mother, Marion Rose of Vaudeville's Statler and Rose, Broadway's actress and producer, Peggy Fears; I'm just naming a few of the long list of golden age stars that have resided at Rockhaven. And, when you're enjoying the walk you can feel the glow they left behind. It's closed now due to the COVID pandemic but we're able to go once in a while to clean up a little and just 'be' in it's past. To relish in the feeling of just 'being' there, is amazing. You're able to touch all of the past around you! This is something I've seen only in LA and its surrounding areas. This type of museum interaction is priceless; it's like watching a golden oldie but, being right next to the star you admire(d) so very much. There's a group called Friends of Rockhaven that loves and cares so much for the Sanitarium; it's so heartwarming. One of the many protectors Joanna Linkchorst has allowed us to become one of the many friends of Rockhaven and contribute to its survival. It's been such a pleasure and an honor to help in any way we can and my sincere hope is that it won't be sold for demolition or forgotten. Thank you so much, Friends of Rockhaven for all you do!

    This is such a gorgeous property with a lot of history - a real gem in the middle of Montrose. I…read morehope it can be rehabbed and turned into something historical and useful for the community. Definitely look into taking one of their free tours (donation optional at the end). Joanna and Mike are so knowledgeable and passionate about this place, it's really worth your time if you like history, architecture and are fascinated by mental health institutions of the past.

    Photos
    Rockhaven Sanitarium
    Rockhaven Sanitarium
    Rockhaven Sanitarium

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    Stone Barn Nature Center Deukmejian Wilderness Park - Welcome to Stone Barn Center.

    Stone Barn Nature Center Deukmejian Wilderness Park

    5.0(2 reviews)
    9.0 mi

    Stone Barn Nature Center is a small educational center dedicated to the wildlife and community…read more It's located within the Deukmejian Wilderness Park. I came to visit and was greeted by Jackie, a young blue eyed and beautiful woman, at the reception desk. She was informative and affable. Let me tell you about this center, the history of the stone barn dates to 1898 when the property was acquired by George Le Mesnager, a French emigrant and prominent Los Angeles vintner, from Dr. Benjamin Briggs, the founder of La Crescenta. Between 1914 and 1918, George's son Louis constructed the original stone barn and shed along with several other buildings that no longer exist. They were used for storing equipment and grapes until 1920, when Prohibition ended the winemaking industry and forced the Le Mesnagers into the water industry. As the turn of the century, this center is a place to learn about the wild animals in the Cresenta valley and LA County. It's a great place for kids and family. Overall, it's a nice center to bring kids or kids at heart.

    So impressed with this little nature center that opened not too long ago! Went to Deukmejian…read moreWilderness Park for a picnic/hike party and found this little gem! Lots of cool activities for the kids, and it's got a little history of the area. Definitely a fun place to check out if you are visiting the park. Entrance is free!

    Photos
    Stone Barn Nature Center Deukmejian Wilderness Park - Brown Bear skull.

    Brown Bear skull.

    Stone Barn Nature Center Deukmejian Wilderness Park
    Stone Barn Nature Center Deukmejian Wilderness Park

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    Lanterman Estate - Attention to detail.

    Lanterman Estate

    4.2(9 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    The Lanterman House is a craftsman museum house Listed on the National Register of Historic Places…read more The owner of this house was Dr. Roy Lanterman and wife, Emily, and they bequeath it to the City of La Cañada Flintridge. We registered for a group tour which cost $5/pp. The group was greeted by two old docent female staff (Marylou and Gayle). We started off by watching a short film about the history of La Cañada and the Lanterman family back in the late 1880. Some highlights about the tour: This house has a U-shaped Mexican Colonial hacienda design with 35 French windows, multiple rooms, a playroom, an entertainment room, Doctor's office, a large granite fireplace and a dance ballroom. Our docent was very knowledgeable and amiable. The house itself is not an estate per se but rather sits on a large lot. The house has many cool artifacts. Free parking lot on the side of the house. Tour lasted 75 mins. Overall, it's a nice historic house by the family who contributed significantly to the city of La Cañada.

    If you're in the area visiting Descanso Gardens, try and set aside time to visit this lovely 1915…read morehome which is about a 5 minute drive away. Access only via scheduled docent led tours - it's a well-spent 1.5 hours for, believe it or not, only $5 for adults (discounts for Seniors and Students to $3, I think.) I won't repeat the program structure re: starting with a video and the path of the tour, as other reviews cover this accurately. But I will say if you're interested in stepping into a home and learning about the history of an area (La Canada) via the eyes of a family very influential to its growth, this is a must for you. Any history buff, and avid documentary watcher (you know who you are LOL) will enjoy a visit. The interiors have been restored and the vast majority of the furniture, art and collectibles are original to the 1915 construction. This is thanks to some "pack rat" sons who kept everything and more inside their parents' house before it was finally acquired by the city of La Cañada as a historical home. This isn't a vast Vanderbilt, grand estate - it's a beautiful and charming family home that has surprisingly modern touches that were ahead of their time - but maintaining the quiet elegance of another era. Docent Yvonne was lovely and the volunteer team at the Visitor Center equally helpful and kind. Great step back in time - you'll feel as if the Lanterman family could walk around the corner at any moment. Just go, you'll enjoy it!!! :-)

    Photos
    Lanterman Estate - Original dinner lamp fixtures.

    Original dinner lamp fixtures.

    Lanterman Estate - Kitchen.

    Kitchen.

    Lanterman Estate

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    Rockhaven

    Rockhaven

    5.0(2 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    RE: There's another review site for the beautiful Rockhaven Sanitarium at:…read more https://www.yelp.com/biz/rockhaven-sanitarium-montrose We Are Friends of Rockhaven! Agnes Richards founded Rockhaven in 1923 after being a psychiatric nurse and witnessing the cruel treatment of women with mental illness. She made sure to call each and every patient a resident, and treat them with respect. The beautiful history of Rockhaven Sanitarium (or home for the Golden Age Stars) is the most vivid piece of history that's been forgotten by so many. My favorite actress Billie Burke (Glinda, the good witch), Mrs. Topper, and, well, just too many of her parts to list resided there until her death. Do you remember Elly May Clampett? She was played by Donna Douglas, who was also a resident at Rockhaven as was, Clark Gable's first wife, Marilyn Monroe's mother, Marion Rose of Vaudeville's Statler and Rose, Broadway's actress and producer, Peggy Fears; I'm just naming a few of the long list of golden age stars that have resided at Rockhaven. And, when you're enjoying the walk you can feel the glow they left behind. It's closed now due to the COVID pandemic but we're able to go once in a while to clean up a little and just 'be' in it's past. To relish in the feeling of just 'being' there, is amazing. You're able to touch all of the past around you! This is something I've seen only in LA and its surrounding areas. This type of museum interaction is priceless; it's like watching a golden oldie but, being right next to the star you admire(d) so very much. There's a group called Friends of Rockhaven that loves and cares so much for the Sanitarium; it's so heartwarming. One of the many protectors Joanna Linkchorst has allowed us to become one of the many friends of Rockhaven and contribute to its survival. It's been such a pleasure and an honor to help in any way we can and my sincere hope is that it won't be sold for demolition or forgotten. Thank you so much, Friends of Rockhaven for all you do!

    Rockhaven Sanitarium, built in 1923, marked an important historical turning point in the…read moredevelopment of safe and humane treatment of women with mental illness. Home to many of Hollywood's family members in need of a stable and caring environment, including Marilyn Monroe's mother and Billie Burke, it became known for compassionate care of those with "a mental affliction". Learn more in this Emmy-winning documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88-u9JENth0. Today, it sits empty. The City of Glendale purchased the property to save it from certain destruction; plans to develop the property stalled during the recession. Friends of Rockhaven to the rescue! Guided by Joanna Linkchorst, tours of the property have educated scores of people about the important history of the sanitarium. Learn more about how to support this effort here: http://www.friendsofrockhaven.org/ Stigma is stigma. So many people have suffered unnecessarily due to prejudice against mental illness. Thank you, Rockhaven, for showing us a different way to peace and health.

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    Rockhaven
    Rockhaven
    Rockhaven

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    Forest Lawn Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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