Things To Do
Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a cultural and educational institution located in San Marino, California, USA. It was founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington, an American railroad magnate, and is now a popular tourist destination.
The Huntington Library is a research library containing rare books, manuscripts, and other archival materials related to British and American history and literature, as well as a collection of medieval manuscripts, maps, and photographs. Scholars and researchers from all over the world come to use its resources.
The Art Museum contains a diverse collection of European and American art spanning several centuries, including works by Gainsborough, Lawrence, Reynolds, and Constable. The museum also features a collection of decorative arts, including porcelain, furniture, and silver.
The Botanical Gardens are spread over 120 acres and contain over 15,000 different plant species, including a renowned collection of camellias, as well as rose, herb, palm, and Japanese gardens. The gardens also include a children’s garden and a Chinese garden.
Visitors to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens can enjoy guided tours of the library, art museum, and gardens, as well as attend lectures, concerts, and other special events. The institution is open to the public every day except Tuesdays.
History
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The institution was founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who made his fortune in the railroad industry.
Huntington was an avid collector of rare books and manuscripts, and he began assembling his collection in the late 19th century. His collection eventually grew to include over 9 million items, making it one of the largest and most significant collections of its kind in the world.
In addition to his collection of books and manuscripts, Huntington also had a passion for art and horticulture. He acquired an impressive collection of paintings and decorative arts, and he created a beautiful garden on his estate in San Marino, California.
Over the years, the institution has continued to grow and expand. Today, it is one of the most important cultural and educational institutions in the United States, attracting scholars, researchers, and visitors from around the world. The library, art museum, and botanical gardens continue to serve as a testament to Henry E. Huntington’s vision and his commitment to preserving and sharing his vast collections with the public.
