Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, widely known as the final resting place for numerous Hollywood legends, also operates a world-class art museum that is free to the public. The museum is currently hosting a special exhibition titled "In Bloom: Flowers in Contemporary Art," which showcases unique floral-themed works from Southern California artists.
This unique cultural venue offers visitors a chance to experience significant art collections, including historical replicas and contemporary shows, in a serene and unconventional setting. The current exhibition is scheduled to be on view through February 15, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale contains a free public art museum.
- The current exhibition, "In Bloom: Flowers in Contemporary Art," runs until February 15, 2026.
- The show features works by Southern California artists using various mediums, including paper sculpture and resin.
- Admission and parking for the museum are both free of charge.
A Cultural Destination in an Unconventional Setting
Forest Lawn in Glendale is often associated with its famous interments, which include entertainment icons like Walt Disney, Nat King Cole, and Elizabeth Taylor. However, the memorial park has long cultivated a dual identity as a significant cultural institution in Los Angeles County.
Beyond its memorial functions, the park is home to the Forest Lawn Museum. This institution houses an impressive permanent collection that includes one of the world's largest religious paintings and a substantial collection of full-scale replicas of Michelangelo's sculptures. These offerings establish the site as a destination for art lovers as well as those paying respects.
The museum enhances its permanent collection by hosting at least two special exhibitions each year, providing a dynamic and evolving cultural experience for the community, completely free of charge.
Cemeteries as Public Spaces
The use of cemeteries as public cultural and recreational spaces has a long history. In the 19th century, large, landscaped "garden cemeteries" like Forest Lawn were designed to be park-like environments for the public to enjoy art, architecture, and nature. This tradition continues today at venues like Forest Lawn and Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which host art exhibits, film screenings, and concerts.
Current Exhibition Focuses on Floral Art
The museum's latest exhibition, "In Bloom: Flowers in Contemporary Art," explores the timeless subject of flowers through a modern lens. The theme was chosen for its deep connection to the setting of a memorial park, where flowers are a constant symbol of remembrance, beauty, and life.
"Partly because it’s beautiful and it’s worth contemplating beauty, and partly because flowers are a huge part of the culture of a memorial park. So it’s nice to be able to reflect on that in a museum in this setting," James Fishburne, director of the Forest Lawn Museum and curator of the exhibition, explained.
The exhibition moves beyond traditional floral paintings, presenting a diverse collection of works that challenge and expand the viewer's perception of botanical art. Nearly all the featured artists are based in Southern California, grounding the show in the local creative community.
Featured Artists and Unique Mediums
"In Bloom" is distinguished by the innovative techniques and materials used by its artists. The works on display bring flowers to life in unexpected and often three-dimensional forms.
Tiffanie Turner's Paper Sculptures
A highlight of the exhibition is the work of artist Tiffanie Turner, who creates large-scale paper flowers with extraordinary detail. Her sculptures, some reaching 2.5 feet in height, are the result of a meticulous, months-long process.
"It takes her months to make each of them. The level of anatomical detail is absolutely remarkable," Fishburne noted, emphasizing the precision and dedication involved in Turner's craft. These supersized creations offer a powerful, magnified view of the intricate structures of flowers.
Diverse Artistic Approaches
Other artists in the exhibition explore floral themes through different mediums, showcasing the versatility of the subject. The collection includes:
- Resin Art: Intricate floral arrangements are preserved and frozen in clear resin, capturing their delicate beauty in a permanent state.
- Pen and Ink Drawings: Detailed and precise drawings that highlight the complex patterns and forms found in nature.
This variety of mediums provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of how contemporary artists interpret a classic subject.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition Title: "In Bloom: Flowers in Contemporary Art"
On View Until: February 15, 2026
Featured Artists: Primarily from Southern California
Highlight: 2.5-foot-tall paper flower sculptures by Tiffanie Turner.
The Curator's Vision for the Museum
James Fishburne, who holds a Ph.D. in Italian Renaissance art history, was initially drawn to Forest Lawn by its extensive collection of Michelangelo replicas. However, his role as museum director has allowed him to explore contemporary art and engage with living artists.
He finds curating the museum's free exhibitions to be a rewarding aspect of his work. "I’m just constantly getting to discover new people and showcase their work and sort of play with these really exciting themes. And everyday is sort of a new adventure," he said.
Fishburne is a proponent of using cemeteries as multi-purpose cultural venues. He believes these spaces offer a unique opportunity for reflection and engagement. "With Southern California having such incredible landscapes, it’s a great way to be both outside and experience art and remember the past at the same time," he commented.
Plan Your Visit
The Forest Lawn Museum provides an accessible cultural experience for residents and visitors in the Los Angeles area. All details for visiting the "In Bloom" exhibition are listed below.
- Location: Forest Lawn Museum, 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale, CA.
- Hours of Operation: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Admission Cost: Admission to the museum and the exhibition is completely free.
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site for all visitors.
The exhibition's long run until early 2026 gives the public ample time to visit this unique intersection of art, history, and landscape architecture.