The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
- Museum
- In San Marino, California
- 1.2 mi from Route 66
The Huntington is a combined library, art museum and botanical garden in San Marino, CA, about 1.2 miles off the old road. Arabella and Henry E. Huntington founded it, and it dates from 1919. Visitors come for the art galleries, the research library's treasures and roughly 120 acres of gardens. For a Route 66 traveler nearing Los Angeles, it is a full-day contrast to motels and diners.
What it is
The Huntington works as three institutions on one property. The library is a research and rare book library used by scholars. The art collections lean toward European work from the 18th and 19th centuries and American art spanning the 17th century to the middle of the 20th.
The gardens are what many visitors remember most. About 120 acres are divided into specialized landscapes, among them a Japanese Garden, a Chinese Garden and a Desert Garden full of cacti and succulents.
A bit of history
The institution carries the name of Henry E. Huntington, who created it with Arabella Huntington, and its founding date is 1919. It was set up as a center for education and research built on its collections, and it still runs that way today as a nonprofit. The gardens and galleries are open to visitors, while the library also serves scholars.
Visiting tips
Give it at least half a day; a full day is easy if you like both art and gardens. Parking is on site and the grounds are listed as wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable shoes, since the garden paths cover a lot of ground.
The Huntington Desert Garden and the Desert Garden Conservatory are both on the grounds, about 0.2 miles from the main entrance area, and should not be skipped if you have crossed the Mojave on Route 66. The Pacific Asia Museum is about 2 miles away. A cafe is steps from the entrance.
Practical info
- Address
- 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
- Phone
- +1 626-405-2100
- Website
- huntington.org
- Hours
- Mon, Wed–Sun 10–5
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat nearby
All diners on Route 66 →
On the map
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Questions
Where is The Huntington?
In San Marino, California, next to Pasadena and about 1.2 miles off the old Route 66 corridor.
What is there to see at The Huntington?
A research library, art galleries with European and American collections, and about 120 acres of gardens, including Japanese, Chinese and desert gardens.
How much time does a visit to The Huntington take?
At least half a day. Art lovers who also want to walk the gardens can easily spend a full day.
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