Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Botanical garden and museum · Pasadena, California
The Huntington
Library, art museum and botanical gardens founded in 1919 by Henry and Arabella Huntington in San Marino, neighboring Pasadena. The Japanese, Chinese and desert gardens are among the most visited; the library holds a Gutenberg Bible.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About The Huntington
The Huntington is in San Marino, a city neighboring Pasadena, on the former estate of businessman Henry E. Huntington and his wife, Arabella. The couple founded the institution in 1919 to bring together a library, an art collection and gardens, and it is open to visitors.
The botanical gardens cover about 53 hectares and are divided into themed areas. The Japanese Garden has an arched bridge and a traditional house; the Chinese Garden, called Liu Fang Yuan, was built with lakes and pavilions; the Desert Garden gathers cacti and succulents from various arid regions. There are also rose gardens, camellia gardens and a garden with plants mentioned by Shakespeare.
The library holds millions of items, from the 11th to the 21st centuries, and preserves pieces such as a Gutenberg Bible printed on vellum and the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The art galleries display British and American painting, with portraits like The Blue Boy by Gainsborough and Pinkie by Thomas Lawrence.
For those staying in Pasadena, The Huntington makes for a half-day or a full-day outing, combining gardens, art and exhibitions on the same grounds.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
At least half a day; a full day to see gardens, exhibitions and galleries at a relaxed pace.
Best time
In spring, for the blooms, and in the morning, before the heat in summer months. The Huntington is closed some days of the week and may require timed-entry tickets; confirm before you go.
How to get there
In San Marino, about 4 km southeast of Old Pasadena. Go by car or taxi; there is parking on site.
Tip
Pick two or three gardens and one gallery instead of trying to see everything: the grounds are large and walking distances between areas are long.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about The Huntington
Where is The Huntington?
In San Marino, a city neighboring Pasadena, about 4 km from Old Pasadena.
What to see at The Huntington?
The themed gardens such as the Japanese, the Chinese and the Desert Garden, the library’s exhibition items and the British and American art galleries.
How much time to allow for The Huntington?
At least half a day; a full day for the gardens, library and galleries at a relaxed pace.
Do you need to make a reservation to visit The Huntington?
Entry rules change: on some days timed-entry tickets may be required. Check the official website before you go.