Mausoleum vs. Columbarium: The Differences Explained (2024)

Mixing up the terms for final resting places is easy because different words often have the same meaning. Let’s compare a mausoleum vs. columbarium so you can understand the similarities and differences of these above-ground interment options.

What is a Mausoleum?

A mausoleum is an above ground structure that holds the remains of one or more persons. There are different types of mausoleums.

Public mausoleums can house dozens of remains of many unrelated people. You may see a public mausoleum on the grounds of your local cemetery.

However, a private mausoleum can be built to provide a final resting place for one or two persons – or an entire family.

There are different variations of public and private mausoleums. Some mausoleums are structures that can be accessed only from the outside. However, indoor mausoleums allow family members and friends the opportunity to view the final resting place in a more private and climate-controlled setting.

These ornate but small buildings can hold the casketed whole body human remains but can also be used to house cremated remains.

Mausoleum burial is sometimes called interment.

The term mausoleum originally referred to one specific structure – the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. This particular mausoleum was completed around 350 B.C. to hold the remains of Mausolus, a Persian governor who ruled an area now modern-day Turkey. The tomb was so grand that the word mausoleum began to be used to describe any similar structure.

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is similar to a mausoleum in that it is another above-ground interment option used to house the remains of the deceased. However, a columbarium is a room or a structure designed as a final resting place for cremated remains. 

A columbarium has cremation niches (also called a columbarium niche). These look like cubby holes with secure doors that hold cremation urns.

Like a mausoleum, a columbarium offers above-ground interment of remains (as opposed to the remains being buried underground.) Unlike mausoleums, a columbarium only holds cremated remains instead of whole bodies.

The term columbarium is derived from the same word that means dove or pigeon house because the small cubbies look similar to homes designed for birds.

Mausoleums and columbariums can be final resting places for cremation urns.

When funeral planning, it’s important that you understand that while a columbarium and mausoleum are both memorial buildings, mausoleums allow for both methods of disposition – cremation and caskets. So, a mausoleum can contain columbarium cremation niches. In fact, large public mausoleums often have more than one room to accommodate both types of above-ground resting places.

Columbarium vs mausoleum?

If you are starting the funeral planning process, you probably have many questions and concerns. For answers to your questions about private mausoleum construction, contact Eternal Mausoleums by Forever Legacy. 

Private mausoleums are perfect for families who value privacy. A private family mausoleum can also be designed to reflect the family’s personality, beliefs, and accomplishments.

Request a consultation with Forever Legacy. We build the finest mausoleums in North America.

Key Takeaways on How to House Cremated Remains

• Both mausoleums and columbariums house cremated remains. However, there are a few key differences.
• Mausoleums can hold casketed and urned remains.
• Most columbiums are designed for the general population. However, a mausoleum can be created for one or two people – or one family.