What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is specifically designed as a structure for storing cremated remains, making it the correct answer. This facility typically consists of niches or compartments where urns containing the ashes of individuals can be placed in a respectful and organized manner. Columbariums can often be found within cemeteries or as part of memorial gardens, providing a serene and dedicated space for families to remember and honor their loved ones.

The other options pertain to different aspects of funeral practices. A viewing room is used for family and friends to gather and pay their respects to a deceased individual before burial or cremation. Gathering spaces focus on community support and familial connection, often embodying a more social aspect of memorialization. Facilities for embalming, on the other hand, are equipped for preparing the body for services, involving procedures that preserve the remains temporarily. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the unique purpose served by a columbarium in the context of memorialization.