Nestled in the affluent city of San Marino, California, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens stands as a testament to the intersection of art, literature, and nature. This cultural haven, sprawled across 150 acres at 1150 Oxford Rd, is not just a repository of historical treasures but also a botanical paradise, boasting over 14,000 plant species. While San Marino is recognized for its wealthy residents and proximity to Pasadena, The Huntington remains the city's crown jewel, attracting visitors from around the globe with its diverse and extensive collections.
The Huntington's art galleries and library are a magnet for art aficionados and bibliophiles alike. The institution houses rare and significant works, including the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tales," a vellum Gutenberg Bible, and the double-elephant folio edition of Audubon’s "Birds of America." It also features a premier collection of Shakespeare's early editions, original letters from American founding fathers, and an unparalleled compilation of materials related to the American West.
Art lovers can revel in the 18th-century British and French masterpieces, American art from the 18th to the early 20th century, and an array of French and British sculptures, tapestries, furniture, porcelain, and silver. Notably, The Huntington is the proud home to Thomas Gainsborough’s "Blue Boy" and Sir Thomas Lawrence’s "Pinkie," two iconic pieces of British portraiture.
Henry Huntington began cultivating the Botanical Gardens in 1903, creating a diverse and expansive landscape. The gardens now feature a staggering array of flora from across the globe, arranged into thematic areas that offer visitors a world tour of botanical diversity.
The Huntington Rose Garden is a fragrant expanse of approximately 1,200 rose cultivars. It includes:
A whimsical space where fantasy meets nature, the Children's Garden includes topiary animals, weeping mulberry trees, and other playful plant choices that evoke the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss.
This garden is a nod to the Bard, with shrubs and perennials that harken back to an English garden of yore. Many plants here, like pansies, violets, and roses, are mentioned in Shakespeare's plays.
Visitors can journey through plant life from southeast Asia and South America to Mesoamerica, Chile, southern Africa, and the Mediterranean, all within the Subtropical Garden's lush confines.
The Huntington also features Chinese, Desert, Herb, Camellia, Japanese, Australian, Palm, and Lily Pond gardens, as well as a Botanical Conservatory, each offering a unique botanical experience.
The Huntington is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission is complimentary for members, while non-members can expect the following fees: Adults $15, Seniors (65+) $12, Students (12-18 or with student I.D.) $10, Youths (5-11) $6, and free entry for children under 5. Groups of 15 or more enjoy a reduced rate of $11 per person. Additionally, The Huntington opens its doors for free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month.
For more information about the city of San Marino, you can visit the city guide and directory, which provides a wealth of resources and insights into local attractions and activities.
To learn more about Pasadena's proximity to The Huntington and its own cultural offerings, explore the Pasadena City Directory.
For a deeper understanding of the historical significance of The Huntington's collections, the institution's official website offers detailed descriptions and histories of the artifacts and works on display.
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