Garden of Oz: A Hidden Mosaic Wonderland in the Hollywood Hills

Why It Stands Out

The garden is a dense, tiered landscape that captures the spirit of "Munchkinland" through thousands of hand-placed ornaments. A shimmering path of yellow tiles winds through the greenery, serving as a literal Yellow Brick Road that guides the eye through a forest of towering mosaics and lush plants.

Along the way, visitors can spot a "Wall of Toys," a crystal ball, and a whimsical mailbox designed for sending correspondence directly to the Land of Oz. The most striking features are the diverse thrones scattered throughout the property, each honoring a different legacy.

There are musical thrones dedicated to legends like Duke Ellington and Elvis Presley, sitting alongside peacemaking thrones that pay tribute to the Dalai Lama and Rosa Parks. One particularly moving seat is dedicated to Musako Morioka, a friend of Cottman’s and a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing.

This connection eventually led Cottman to create a sister site, the "Garden of Us," in Japan. The entire space operates on the philosophy that everyone possesses their own inner wizard, a theme that permeates every tiled staircase and glittering pedestal.

Before You Go

The Garden of Oz is a private residence and is not open for general public walk-throughs. Legend has it that Cottman distributed keys to the neighborhood children to ensure they always had access to a magical escape, but adult visitors must be content with a street-side view.

You can see a significant portion of the mosaic work and the towering structures from the sidewalk along the fence line. Please respect the privacy of the residents and the quiet nature of this Hollywood Hills neighborhood while viewing the art from the street.