Mausoleum vs. Monument: Similarities, Differences, and Benefits of Each

Every thinking person takes time to examine their lives and legacy periodically. During that time of self-reflection, you may have envisioned how you wish to be remembered.

Of course, you probably want to be remembered for your industry, community, and country contributions. You may also wish to be remembered fondly and respectfully by your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mausoleums vs. Monuments

During this reverie, thoughts may turn to the practical side of your legacy, which includes choosing the permanent resting place for your remains. This may lead you to assess whether a mausoleum or a monument would best suit your situation. We’ll discuss the similarities and differences between these two options to help guide you in this deeply personal decision.

What is a Mausoleum?

Taj Mahal Mausoleum in India

A mausoleum is a structure designed to hold the remains of the deceased. While there are public mausoleums at most cemeteries, those concerned with legacy matters often consider a private mausoleum (or family mausoleum). These stand-alone structures are designed to hold an individual’s or family’s remains in bodily or cremated forms.

Mausoleums also provide a place for family and friends to visit when they wish to have a private moment for meditation, prayer, or remembrance.

There are many benefits of a private mausoleum, including the aforementioned privacy. However, a family mausoleum also celebrates your contributions to the world. It becomes a beautiful, eternal part of your legacy.

What is a Monument?

Motherland Monument in Ukraine

A monument is a statue, headstone, or other artistic expression meant to commemorate a person or an event. Sometimes monuments also serve as a grave marker to label where the remains have been buried or scattered. However, other times a monument can be erected simply as a matter of legacy, and the permanent resting place can be at some other site.

Like a mausoleum, a monument can also be personally designed to reflect your contributions, preferences, and beliefs. However, unlike a mausoleum, one needs to make other arrangements for the interment of the body because a memorial monument is not designed to contain any remains.

Things to Consider When Choosing Between a Mausoleum vs. Monument Memorials

Both a mausoleum and a monument can provide a beautiful, lasting memorial for your loved ones. However, because a mausoleum offers a comfortable, private space for mourners, mausoleums are typically the costlier of the two choices. However, a large monument can be costly and celebrate a family’s legacy without providing a permanent resting place for the remains.

Let’s Chat About Mausoleums and Monuments

We know you have a lot to consider as you think about your legacy. If you would like to discuss your options with an industry expert, schedule a private consultation with Forever Legacy. We are the premier builders of private mausoleums in the country. Additionally, we design and build monuments. We are ready to answer your specific questions about cost, how long a mausoleum takes to build, and design options.

To schedule an appointment, call 866-506-4288 or fill out the contact form on our website.

Belinda McLeod

Belinda McLeod has a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English and Journalism. She began her career as a freelance writer in 2018 since a flexible schedule would allow her to help care for an aging parent. Since then, Belinda has specialized in writing for the funeral industry. Belinda has written for Cake, a funeral-planning website, nursing homes, mausoleum companies, cremation companies, and funeral homes.