Many people ask this question when they plan for their family’s future. The answer is yes – caskets do go in mausoleums. This choice gives families a way to honor their loved ones above ground.
What is a Mausoleum?
A mausoleum is a building made to hold caskets. These structures sit in a mausoleum cemetery. They protect caskets from weather and ground water. Some mausoleums hold one casket. Others hold many caskets for whole families.
The word comes from King Mausolus of ancient Greece. His wife built a huge tomb for him around 350 BC. People liked this idea and copied it.
Types of Mausoleums
Private Mausoleums
Rich families often build private mausoleums. The Vanderbilt family built a large one in NY. It holds many family members. These cost a lot of money – often $25,000 to $1 million.
Community Mausoleums
Most people choose community mausoleums. These buildings have spaces called crypts. Each crypt holds one casket. Families buy these spaces like they buy cemetery plots.
How Caskets Fit in Mausoleums
Workers slide caskets into crypts through small doors. The caskets rest on shelves made of concrete or steel. Each crypt has a front panel with the person’s name and dates.
Maria Santos chose a crypt for her husband last year. She visits him at the mausoleum cemetery every week. She likes that she can visit him without walking on wet grass.
Benefits of Mausoleum Burial
Mausoleums protect caskets from:
- Rain and snow
- Ground water
- Insects and animals
- Extreme hot and cold temps
Families can visit loved ones in comfort. Many mausoleums have chairs and flowers inside.
Facts About Mausoleum Costs
A study by the Nat’l Funeral Directors Assoc. shows:
- Single crypts cost $3,000 to $15,000
- Family crypts cost $15,000 to $50,000
- Private mausoleums start at $25,000
Location matters too. Mausoleums in big cities cost more than those in small towns.
Finding a Mausoleum for Sale
When you look for a mausoleum for sale, check these things:
- Size of the crypt
- Location in the cemetary
- Rules about flowers and decorations
- Maintenance fees
The Johnson family bought a four-person crypt in Chicago. They paid $28,000 total. Now they have peace of mind about their future.
Preparing Caskets for Mausoleums
Funeral homes prep caskets the same way for mausoleums and ground burial. They use special sealing methods to prevent odors. Metal caskets work best because they last longer.
Common Questions
Can cremation urns go in mausoleums? Yes. Many mausoleums have special spaces called niches for urns.
Do mausoleums smell bad? No. Modern mausoleums have good air systems to prevent odors.
Can I visit anytime? Most mausoleums have set hours. Some stay open until dark.
Making the Right Choice
The choice between ground burial and mausoleum burial is personal. Some people like the idea of being above ground. Others prefer traditional burial.
Tom Williams chose a mausoleum after his father’s grave flooded during a storm. He wanted to protect his family from similar problems.
Conclusion
Caskets do go in mausoleums. This option gives families a clean, dry place to visit loved ones. While it costs more than ground burial, many families find the benefits worth the extra cost.
Whether you choose a community space or look for a private mausoleum for sale, this choice can bring peace to your family for years to come.
