From the street, the Mountain View Mausoleum looks like a rundown, nearly abandoned church.

The historic Spanish Revival mausoleum cost $500,000 when it was built 74 years ago.

Well Endowed

Most people have no idea of the incredible architecture and artwork within.

Inside, the building has marble fronted crypts and floors, magnificent stained glass ceilings and 200 mural scenes by Norwegian-born Martin Syvertsen, with life-sized figures depicting the story of Christianity.

Floating Corridor

Judson Studios Glass

This window is very similar to the Rose Window installed at the Wilshire Temple.

Seeing Stars

Basement Stain

The mausoleum is a labyrinth of crypts with multiple levels of hallways containing the interred remains of various prominent figures in Pasadena history.

This corridor had an insane asylum feel to it.

Mizpah is Hebrew for “watchtower.” As mentioned in the Bible, it marked an agreement between two men, with God as their witness. It has come to connote an emotional bond between people who are separated (either physically or by death).

Light filters in from above through stained glass blocks. This particular space is truly amazing.

Close-up of the stained glass block ceiling.

The Chapel of Radiance reflects against the marble covered walls.

The mausoleum has added on different wings over the years, this latest addition was built in the 1980’s.

HeadLight

Basement Corridor

Angel Face Potato

I roamed the abandoned halls without a living soul in sight. I eventually ran into the owner Jay Brown, whose family and descendants have owned the Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery for over 120 years.

The resting place of the mausoleum’s own architect, Cecil E. Bryan.

Love & Light

The arched painted ceiling in the main gallery is quite beautiful.

Garden Walkway

Mountain View was created to serve Pasadena as well as the Pasadena Highlands, later known as Altadena.

RIP