The Shrine to Aviation

Whenever I'm over at the Fry's in Burbank, I see those signs pointing down the road to the Shrine of Aviation.  I've always been curious, so today I drove down the road about a block to where it ends at the Valhalla Memorial Park.  The shrine is just over the fence, but the gate is closed and you can't get in this way.

The sign on the road block preventing you from getting into the cemetery.

There are instructions on the gate to go through the Valhalla Memorial Park located off of Victory and Cahuenga.  Once inside follow the signs around, past lovely fountain, and you'll get to the shrine.  It's a large beautiful arch.  Reminds me of the arches you see in Europe.

It sits next to a couple of remembrance gardens

The location is perfect because you are so close to the Bob Hope Airport.  When I first pulled up a plane flew very close right overhead.

In front of the shrine is a memorial to the crews of the Columbia and Challenger with a miniature replica of the shuttle.

On this side there is a plaque to the Columbia Crew; the Challenger crew is on the other side.

 Inside the arch are memorials to a number of aviators.

On the walls there are plaques to other famous aviators like Amelia Earhart and this one commemorating two race pilots who died in a mid-air collision.

Memorial to two race pilots who died in a mid-air collision.

There is a museum to aviation here that is only open on Sundays from 1-3pm when there is good weather.  I will try to find a Sunday to go back.

Total Cost: FREE!!!
Total Time: Maybe 30 minutes