In San Marino, The Huntington brings together a research library, art museum and 120 acres of botanical gardens. The themed gardens range from the cactus-filled Desert Garden to Japanese and Chinese landscapes, with ponds, bridges and seasonal flowers along the way. Inside, look for European and American art, including Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy, and rare books such as a Gutenberg Bible. The grounds are extensive, so wear comfortable shoes and allow several hours to combine garden walks with time in the galleries.
A cultural estate in San Marino
The Huntington combines three kinds of collections on the former estate of Henry E. Huntington: a research library, an art museum and botanical gardens. Henry and Arabella Huntington established the institution in 1919, turning their private estate into a public cultural center. The site opened to the public in 1928.
The gardens cover 120 acres and are divided into themed areas. The museum and library add indoor visits to a day that can otherwise be spent walking outdoors. Because the grounds are extensive, choose a few priorities before setting out rather than expecting to see every collection in one visit.
Gardens to explore
The Japanese, Chinese and Desert gardens are among the main draws. The Japanese Garden includes a drum bridge, a bonsai court and a Japanese house. In the Chinese Garden, look for pavilions, bridges and ponds; newer pavilions have expanded the garden. Water lilies and other quiet waterside spots offer a pause between longer walks.
The Desert Garden gathers cacti and succulents, including specimens that rise above a person’s height. Other themed areas include the Rose Garden, Australian Garden, Jungle Garden, Shakespeare Garden and Children’s Garden. Seasonal flowers change the view through the year: roses are a draw in their blooming season, while magnolias, camellias and cherry blossoms appear at other times.
The gardens are spread out, with stretches of sun as well as shaded places to rest. On warm days, bring water and a hat, and plan for time on your feet. Comfortable shoes matter more here than trying to follow a packed schedule.
Art and rare books
The art museum holds European works from the 15th to the early 20th century and American art spanning the colonial period to the present. Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy is a notable work to seek out. The galleries also bring together paintings and other forms of art, including sculpture, prints, drawings and photography.
The library is a research collection of rare books and manuscripts. Among the works associated with it are a Gutenberg Bible and an illustrated manuscript of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. The collection is much larger than what an everyday visit can cover, and only part of it is displayed at a time. Check what is on view if a particular manuscript or exhibition is the reason for your visit.
Planning your visit
Set aside four to five hours if you want time for both gardens and indoor collections. A shorter visit can focus on a few gardens or galleries, but the distances between areas make comfortable footwear useful. A map is available at the entrance, and a digital guide and audio tour can help with navigation.
Reserve tickets before travelling. Weekend reservations are required, and booking ahead is recommended on weekdays. The first Thursday of each month has free admission, but those tickets must be reserved in advance. The designated parking lot is free. On-site cafés and a gift shop provide places to take a break or browse after the gardens and galleries.
Häufige Fragen
How long should I spend at The Huntington?
Allow about four to five hours to explore the gardens, art museum and library. The grounds are large, so a shorter visit is best focused on selected areas.
Do I need to reserve tickets?
Reserve tickets online in advance. Reservations are required on weekends and recommended on weekdays.
Is admission free on any day?
Free admission is available on the first Thursday of each month. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Is parking available at The Huntington?
Yes. The designated parking lot is free.
