Premier botanical haven, situated at the Los Angeles periphery, showcases one of America's most impressive botanical gardens.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens: A Cultural Oasis Nestled in San Marino, California
Located a mere 20-minute jaunt from the bustling city of LA, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a mind-blowing sanctuary that'll leave you awestruck. A breathtaking cypress-lined path leads you to a magnificent complex of sprawling pavilions, galleries, greenhouses, and marble salons scattered across an astounding 80-acre park. And let me tell you, this former ranch, transformed by Henry E. Huntington—a wealthy industrialist with an insatiable appetite for knowledge—is one of the richest cultural hotspots in the United States.
This place is like a banquet for the senses, with European art, American masterpieces, thematic gardens, and a library brimming with 11 million books and manuscripts—and yes, it's all under one roof. Welcome to a world where excess meets enlightenment!
The Enchanting Gardens: A Horticultural Smorgasbord
The garden is a world of its own, taking you from the understated elegance of a rose garden to the almost audacious verticality of cacti in the Desert Garden. With over 28,000 varieties of plants thriving across its 16 lush sections, the park plays host to everything from the predictable to the wonderfully extravagant. From the postcard-perfect Chinese garden, complete with crafted pavilions, lotus-filled ponds, and winding zigzag bridges, to the more restrained yet mesmerizing Japanese garden with a bamboo forest and a dry garden, your eyes will revel in this horticultural wonderland.
Elsewhere, humidity fills the air as you wander through a tropical jungle, or marvel at the carefully arranged eucalyptus and grasses in the Australian garden. Believe it or not, even the palm grove seems to have been artfully arranged to perfection.
In the Library: Treasures Under lock and Key
Just a stone's throw from two greenhouses, a classic building guards some of the most precious collections of Anglo-American literature. In hushed silence, display cases showcase some of the world's most valuable literary relics, like a Gutenberg Bible printed on vellum around 1430, original editions of Shakespeare, and a first edition of Ulysses by James Joyce, all of which are inaccessible elsewhere. Old maps, manuscript letters, and drawings complete this treasure trove designed for literature enthusiasts.
The Art Galleries: Old Masters Meet Modern Marvels
Stepping into the art galleries, the doors open to reveal a taste of the 18th century's opulence. Here, the flawless woodwork and gleaming chandeliers set the stage for a delightful parade of artists like Gainsborough and Lawrence, as well as Sèvres porcelain. You'll find this mix of art and antiques to be deliberately eclectic and intriguing.
Continue your journey in the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries, which trace the evolution of American art, from colonial painting to romantic landscapes, to modernists and decorative arts. You won't want to miss Frank Lloyd Wright's living room design or pieces from the Hudson River School. This trail is more than just a collection—it's designed to offer a learning experience that plays with contrasts and encourages strolling.
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 www.huntington.org
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In the extensive 80-acre park, one can find a home-and-garden section that resembles a banquet for the senses, with over 28,000 varieties of plants ranging from the understated elegance of roses to the towering cacti in the Desert Garden. This horticultural smorgasbord includes thematic gardens, such as the postcard-perfect Chinese and Japanese gardens, creating an oasis for gardening enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst nature's beauty.
Back indoors, in-flights of European art, American masterpieces, and a library brimming with 11 million books and manuscripts await in the art galleries and library, showcasing treasures from Old Masters to modern marvels, offering a captivating exhibition of culture and lifestyle for all visitors.
