In Pasadena, The Gamble House brings Charles and Henry Greene’s Arts and Crafts design into view, from its carefully worked wood interiors to its garden setting. Built in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble, the house retains much of its original architecture and furnishings. A guided tour is the way to see inside and learn how the details fit together. Film fans may also recognize it as Doc Brown’s home in Back to the Future. Reserve ahead, since tours can fill.
A house designed as a complete work
Charles and Henry Greene designed The Gamble House for David and Mary Gamble, a member of the Procter & Gamble family, and his wife. Construction began in 1908, and the home was made as a winter residence. The house and its interior furnishings were planned together, so the architecture, furniture and fixtures share a consistent design.
The Greene brothers’ work is associated with the American Arts and Crafts movement. At the Gamble House, that approach appears in the emphasis on crafted materials and on the relationship between the interior and its Southern California setting. The home was built using a range of woods, including teak, oak, maple and mahogany. Its interior also includes stained glass and custom-made furniture.
What to look for inside
The fine woodworking rewards a slow look. Pay attention to the joinery, carved details and the way the furnishings belong to the rooms they occupy. Art glass is another detail to watch for as you move through the house. Guided tours can focus on specific aspects of the design, including glasswork and the construction details that are easy to miss at first glance.
The house retains many of its original features and furnishings. Its design extends beyond the rooms: terraces and gardens connect the home with its surroundings. The Carriage House is also part of the visit’s story. It served as Doc Brown’s garage in Back to the Future, while the main house appeared as the character’s home.
Tours and the house’s later life
Visitors enter the home on a guided tour. The tour gives you a chance to see the interiors and hear about the house’s architecture and history; advance reservations are recommended because tours can fill. The house also hosts a music series with classical and jazz performances in its living room, giving the historic interior a different use.
The Gamble family’s son transferred the house to the City of Pasadena in 1966 through an arrangement with the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture. The house is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public for tours. Special events, including ArtNight Pasadena and Museums of the Arroyo Day, have included free self-guided visits; check the current calendar before planning around one.
Perguntas frequentes
How long does a visit to The Gamble House take?
A guided visit takes about an hour.
Do you need to book The Gamble House tour in advance?
Advance booking is recommended because tours can fill up.
What is The Gamble House known for?
It is a Pasadena home designed by Charles and Henry Greene in the Arts and Crafts style, with carefully crafted woodwork and original furnishings.
Was The Gamble House in Back to the Future?
Yes. The house appeared as Doc Brown’s home, and the Carriage House was used as his garage.
