Chapel of the Chimes Oakland
4.7(295)google
4.3(242)yelp
HistorySecluded & Uncrowded
Overview
Designed initially by the legendary California architect Julia Morgan, this striking columbarium and mausoleum represents an absolute maze-like interior masterpiece of Moorish and Gothic architecture. The indoor sanctuary is filled with peaceful sky-lit indoor courtyards, stone fountains, exotic tropical plants, and intricate concrete stonework that creates an incredibly peaceful, comforting space. Visitors can explore the historic winding stone corridors lined with thousands of book-shaped urns while listening to the soothing, soft echoes of classical music.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 hours
Best TimeSuitable year-round, best visited on bright days. Designed by famed architect Julia Morgan, this indoor columbarium features endless glass skylights, interior gardens, and fountains, creating a serene, sun-dappled labyrinth.
Getting ThereAdjacent to Mountain View Cemetery at the north end of Piedmont Ave. Drive directly into the front courtyard for temporary parking, or take AC Transit bus 12 from 19th St BART station to the Piedmont Ave terminus.
Travel Tips
- The Julia Morgan-designed gothic skylit labyrinth features intricate, winding galleries; collect a physical schematic layout map at the front counter to navigate.
- Subterranean botanical courts capture premium Tyndall light effects through glass canopies precisely from 11 AM to 1 PM under cloudless sky conditions.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- This operates as an active, functional columbarium sanctuary; toggle all electronics to total silence and omit tripods or bounce cards to respect mourners.
Reviews
Positive
- This indoor columbarium designed by Julia Morgan is visually breathtaking, with intricate Gothic and Moorish skylights creating a labyrinth of light and shadow.
- The interior features elegant indoor fountains, stone benches, and lush green plants, offering a serene garden ambiance that feels deeply peaceful rather than eerie.
- This historic landmark is free to enter, complete with detailed layout maps and directional signs that allow architecture lovers to explore quietly at zero cost.
- Crowd management is flawlessly quiet, and the staff is incredibly soft-spoken and respectful, ensuring a deeply meaningful core cultural experience.
Heads up
- As an active columbarium and memorial venue, the intricate, labyrinthine corridors can sometimes leave first-time casual visitors feeling confused and lost.
- Street parking nearby is extremely scarce; because it is adjacent to a major cemetery, parking convenience for drivers is poor during large memorial services.
- For sensitive visitors or families with young kids, its functional reality as a final resting place might feel psychologically heavy and unsuitable for pure leisure.
- To respect mourners, loud talking and commercial photography are strictly banned, and there are no snack amenities, requiring self-regulated visitor behavior.