One of Pasadena’s most famous institutions is The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. No visit to the San Gabriel Valley is complete without a tour of this amazing cultural center. There is so much to see and do, and there are always new exhibits, events and educational programs to explore throughout the year.
About The Huntington
The Huntington is a collections-based research and educational institution with world-renowned art collections, immersive activities and transformative experiences around each and every corner.
The institute was founded by Henry and Arabella Huntington. Henry was a railroad and real estate pioneer, and his family amassed an extensive collection of art, rare books and botanical resources. They left it all behind in a trust so that The Huntington collection could be enjoyed by everyone in the public. The institute opened in 1928 and has continued to grow throughout the decades since.
Library
The Huntington Library features more than historic manuscripts, rare books, reference materials, prints and ephemera, maps and atlases, photographs and digital archives. It is a living breathing look into history and literature from all over the globe.
Art Museum
The Huntington Art Museum features art from Europe and American spanning over 500 years. They have more than 42,000 objects in the collection, including rare paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures. Items are on display daily in the Huntington Art Gallery and the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art. Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy is one of the most famous classic paintings on display, along with so many other amazing works from historic and contemporary American and European artists.
Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Botanical Gardens is truly one of the most beautiful places in all of Southern California, if not the world. It spans approximately 130 acres and features more than a dozen themed gardens. From the Japanese Garden to the Desert Garden, you will be in awe of the beautiful plants, flowers and arrangements that are all gathered in one incredible place. There’s nothing more relaxing than a stroll through The Huntington Botanical Gardens!
Research & Education
More than 2,000 scholars from all over the world come to conduct academic research at The Huntington each year. The institute offers approximately 150 scholarships, grants and fellowships to worthy researchers and students. The Huntington has three research centers: The USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute, the Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West, and the Research Institute for the History and Science of Technology at Caltech. The Huntington also provides many exceptional education programs and tours for students of all ages and academic standings.
Architecture
You know we are very passionate about architecture at The HD Group. There is some truly stunning and historic architecture to experience at The Huntington and their vast collection of buildings. The Huntington Art Gallery is originally the home of Henry and Arabella Huntington and was designed by Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey. We recently had the opportunity to sell one of his classic homes at 4803 Cromwell in Los Feliz.
Be sure to check out The Huntington website for a full schedule of upcoming events, exhibits, educational programs, tour schedules and other news. Plan your visit and be prepared to be amazed at everything you will see and experience here.
