Discover the Huntington Library: A Fascinating Californian Museum

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, commonly known as The Huntington, is one of California’s most renowned educational and research institutions. Located in San Marino, Los Angeles County, this extraordinary complex is not only a library but also a world-famous art museum and botanical garden.

Founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington and his wife Arabella Huntington, the Huntington Library is now one of the region’s most visited cultural destinations, thanks to its vast collection of rare books, significant works of art, and spectacular gardens. In this article, we will explore the three main sections of the Huntington Library: its history, the library, the art collection, and the magnificent botanical gardens.

History of the Huntington Library

The history of this institution begins with Henry Edwards Huntington (1850–1927), an entrepreneur and philanthropist originally from Oneonta, New York. Henry Huntington inherited a fortune from his uncle, Collis P. Huntington, one of the 19th century’s railroad magnates, and in 1903, he purchased the San Marino Ranch (a 600-acre estate located just a few miles from Los Angeles), which he later transformed into the site of the Huntington Library.

Henry Huntington was not only a businessman but also a great collector. Together with his wife Arabella, who was also passionate about art, he began collecting numerous European and American artworks, as well as rare books and historical manuscripts. Their collection grew significantly thanks to the post-war European market, which offered many prestigious art pieces. By the time of his death in 1927, Henry Huntington had already built one of the most important collections of 18th-century British portraits, along with a valuable collection of American works.

Huntington’s desire to share his collection with the public was realized in 1928, when the library and art collections were opened to visitors. Today, the Huntington Library remains a symbol of Californian culture, as well as a central hub for scholars and art enthusiasts.

The Huntington Library

The library is officially recognized as one of the world’s most important independent research libraries, with a collection of over 12 million items ranging from the 11th to the 21st centuries. The library offers an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers. Each year, it is estimated that more than 20,000 visitors access the reading rooms, while many others use the digital services provided by the institution.

Designed by California architect Myron Hunt in 1920, the library is a fascinating example of Mediterranean-style architecture, housing rare manuscripts, ancient books, and other historically significant materials. Among the library’s treasures are one of the eleven surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the Ellesmere manuscript of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and autograph documents from historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. The library is also a key resource for science studies, thanks to the acquisition of the Burndy Collection in 2006, which enriched the institution with around 60,000 documents related to the history of science and technology.

The library’s permanent exhibitions allow visitors to admire some of its most precious treasures up close. Among these, the Dibner Hall of the History of Science is dedicated to the history of science, with a focus on astronomy, natural history, medicine, and the science of light. In addition, numerous temporary exhibitions enhance the visitor experience, showcasing rare works and thematic insights.

The Art Collection of the Huntington Library

In addition to the library, the Huntington Library also houses a rich museum that will delight all art lovers, featuring works that span from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. The Huntington’s art collection stands out for the significance of the pieces on display, including British, European, and American masterpieces.

One of the most famous paintings in the collection is The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough, a 1770 portrait that has become an icon of British art; next to this masterpiece is Pinkie, a 1794 painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence, another symbol of 18th-century European art.

The American collections feature prominent works such as Breakfast in Bed by Mary Cassatt, The Long Leg by Edward Hopper, and the famous Campbell's Soup Can by Andy Warhol. Since 1984, all these paintings have been displayed in the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries.

European art, on the other hand, is housed in the Huntington Art Gallery, originally the residence of the Huntington family. The permanent collection also includes pieces of Italian Renaissance and Northern European art, as well as a rich selection of 18th-century French tapestries and furniture.

But that’s not all: the museum also organizes temporary exhibitions in the MaryLou and George Boone Galleries, offering visitors the opportunity to discover new artistic perspectives and compare historical works with contemporary art practices.

The Botanical Garden of the Huntington Library

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Huntington Library is undoubtedly its extensive botanical garden, which includes more than 16 themed gardens. Each is dedicated to a particular collection of plants from around the world, making a visit here a truly unique experience.

Among the most enchanting is the Japanese Garden, which faithfully recreates the atmosphere of traditional Japanese Zen gardens, with wooden bridges, ponds, and waterfalls. Equally impressive is the Chinese Garden (Liu Fang Yuan), also known as the Garden of Flowing Fragrance, designed to evoke the serenity and balance typical of Chinese culture.

Visitors will also appreciate the Desert Garden, with its impressive collection of cacti and succulents, one of the largest of its kind in the world. This garden offers a true overview of desert vegetation, showcasing how these plants have adapted to extreme climatic conditions.

There’s also the Rose Garden, with over 1,200 varieties of roses arranged in a way that tells the story of this flower, from ancient times to modern cultivations. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beloved attractions, thanks to the beauty and intoxicating fragrance of the flowers.

Additionally, the Conservatory for Botanical Science houses a collection of tropical plants, including carnivorous plants and rare species.

The Huntington’s botanical garden, besides being a stunning place, is also a center for research and conservation. It offers various educational programs aimed at raising awareness among visitors of all ages about the importance of biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

How to Get to the Huntington Library

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is located at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, Southern California (near Los Angeles). Here’s how to get there depending on your preferred mode of transportation.

• From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): You can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to reach the destination, which is about a 45-minute drive from the airport.
• By car: follow these directions.
  1) From the north: take I-210 E, exit at Hill Avenue and turn right on Hill Avenue. Continue to Oxford Road and turn right.
  2) From the south: take I-110 N, exit at Fair Oaks Avenue, and turn right on Fair Oaks Ave. Continue along Fair Oaks Avenue to Oxford Road and turn left.
  3) From the east: take I-10 W, exit at San Gabriel Boulevard, then turn right on San Gabriel Boulevard. Continue to Oxford Road and turn left.
  4) From the west: take I-10 E, exit at Fair Oaks Avenue, and turn left. Continue along Fair Oaks Avenue to Oxford Road and turn left.
• By public transport or Metro:
  Take the L (Gold) Line and get off at Fillmore Station. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the Huntington Library.
  Bus: Several bus lines stop near the library, including lines 79 and 267. You can check schedules and specific stops on the official Metro Los Angeles website.

A Must-See Destination

The Huntington Library is much more than just a museum or library: it’s a place where history, art, and nature converge to offer visitors a complete cultural experience. From the vast collection of rare books to the extraordinary art collection and the stunning botanical gardens, the Huntington is a highly attractive destination for anyone in California looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of culture and nature.