The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Located in San Marino, California, The Huntington is a world-renowned collections-based educational and research institution. Established by Henry E. Huntington and Arabella Huntington, this expansive estate combines a prestigious library, a comprehensive art museum, and stunning botanical gardens, making it a premier destination for scholars and tourists alike.

A Legacy of Art and Nature

The institution is celebrated for its diverse holdings, which include an extensive art collection focusing on 18th and 19th century European art and 17th to mid-20th century American art. Beyond the galleries, the property boasts approximately 120 acres of specialized botanical landscaped gardens. Among the most visited are the Japanese Garden, the Desert Garden, and the Chinese Garden.

History and Foundation

The foundation of The Huntington is deeply tied to the life of Henry Edwards Huntington (1850–1927), a pivotal figure in the growth of Southern California. As the nephew and heir of railroad tycoon Collis P. Huntington, Henry expanded his influence through the Pacific Electric Railway Company and the Los Angeles Railway Company, facilitating regional growth and commerce.

In 1903, Huntington purchased the 600-acre "San Marino Ranch," which eventually became the site of the institution. His passion for art, heavily influenced by his second wife, Arabella Huntington, led him to amass one of the greatest collections of 18th-century British portraits ever assembled. Following his death in 1927, the collection was opened to the public in 1928.

Overcoming Adversity

The institution has faced challenges, including a significant fire on October 17, 1985, which erupted in an elevator shaft of the Art Gallery. While some works were damaged, a year-long restoration project funded by the Michael J. Connell Foundation and federal grants ensured the gallery reopened in 1986 with its artworks meticulously cleaned and restored.

Management and Modern Impact

Today, The Huntington is one of the wealthiest cultural institutions in the United States, supported by an endowment of over $700 million. Under the leadership of President Karen R. Lawrence, the institution continues to expand its educational reach. In 2022 alone, it welcomed over one million visitors and served thousands of students and scholars.

The Library Architecture

The library building, designed in 1920 by architect Myron Hunt, is a prime example of the Mediterranean Revival style. It houses a substantial collection of rare books and manuscripts, serving as a critical resource for historians and researchers specializing in British and American history.