Why The Huntington
The Huntington is the kind of place where you come for three hours and leave five hours later wondering where the time went. It's an art museum, a world-class research library, and 130 acres of botanical gardens — all on the former estate of railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington in San Marino, just 15 miles from downtown LA.
The library holds 11 million items including a Gutenberg Bible, a first edition of Shakespeare's works, and the original manuscript of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography. The art collection features Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy" and over 36,000 works spanning 500 years. And the 16 themed gardens — Japanese, Chinese, Desert, Rose, Jungle, and more — are reason enough to visit on their own.
The Gardens (130 Acres, 16 Themed Areas)
Going here? Don’t go alone.
Post a plan on WashedUp and find people to go with. No swiping. No endless chatting. Just plans.
Japanese Garden
One of the oldest public Japanese gardens in the United States. Winding paths, a moon bridge, a Zen court, a bonsai collection, and a historic Japanese house. The cherry blossoms in spring are spectacular.
Chinese Garden (Liu Fang Yuan — Garden of Flowing Fragrance)
One of the largest Chinese-style gardens outside China. Pavilions, bridges, a man-made lake, and carefully designed rock formations. Current installation by British artist Edmund de Waal (through October 2025) adds a contemporary layer.
Desert Garden
One of the world's largest outdoor collections of cacti and succulents — over 5,000 species across several acres. Otherworldly and photogenic, especially in morning light.
Rose Garden
Three acres with over 4,000 cultivated rose varieties. Peak bloom is typically April–May and again in fall.
Jungle Garden
Dense tropical plantings with towering palms and exotic species. Feels like another continent. Tip: mosquitoes can be heavy here in summer — bring repellent.
The Art
European Art (Huntington Art Gallery)
Housed in the original Huntington residence — a stunning Beaux-Arts mansion. Star works include Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy," Lawrence's "Pinkie," and Reynolds' "Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse." Strong collections of British portraiture, French decorative arts, and Renaissance works.
American Art (Virginia Steele Scott Galleries)
Seven galleries of American art spanning colonial times to the present. Recently expanded with significant new acquisitions — Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, and a growing collection of California and Western art.
2025 Exhibitions
Edmund de Waal: "the eight directions of the wind" Through Oct. 2025 — Site-specific installations across the Art Gallery, Chinese Garden, and Japanese Garden.
"This Land Is" Opening Feb. 22, 2025 — A major exhibition exploring land and American identity, timed to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Laura Aguilar retrospective Opening March 2025 — Photographs by the late Chicana and queer artist exploring identity and place.
"Stories from the Library: From Brontë to Butler" Through June 2025 — Rotating exhibition of rare library materials including Gutenberg Bible pages.
Library Hall Renovation Notice
The historic library exhibition halls are temporarily closed for major renovation (reopening spring 2026). The Gutenberg Bible returns to display fall 2026. Rare library materials are currently shown through the "Stories from the Library" rotating series in the Art Museum.
Practical Details
Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 10 am–5 pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Admission: Adults $25 weekdays, $29 weekends. Seniors/students $21. Children 4–11 $13. Under 4 free. Members free.
Reservations: Required on weekends, holidays, and peak seasons. Strongly recommended for weekdays. Book at huntington.org — popular dates sell out.
Parking: Free, on-site.
Transit: Metro A Line to Memorial Park Station, then Pasadena Transit bus #10 or #40.
Dining: Chinese Garden tea house, Rose Garden Tea Room (formal afternoon tea), and the Café. All on-site.
Tips
- Allow 4–6 hours minimum. You could spend a full day and still not see everything.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the gardens cover 130 acres.
- Mornings are less crowded. Arrive at 10 am opening for the most peaceful garden experience.
- Bring sunscreen and water for the garden sections.
- Audio tours available via your phone — covers Highlights, Chinese Garden, American Art, and more.
- The gift shop is excellent — art books, botanical prints, and garden items.
Nearby
Norton Simon Museum — 15 minutes away in Pasadena — Van Gogh, Degas, free for students
The Getty Center — Free art museum with the best views in LA
Downtown LA — Full DTLA neighborhood guide
Make It a WashedUp Plan
The Huntington is the perfect all-day group outing. Split up for different gardens, meet at the café, and everyone has something to talk about. Especially great for a mixed group where some love art, some love nature.
Last verified: February 2025. Edmund de Waal installation through Oct. 2025. Library halls closed for renovation (reopening spring 2026). Check huntington.org for current exhibitions and reservations.