The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena, California

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a cultural institution located in Pasadena, California. Established in 1919 by philanthropist Henry E. Huntington, the institution is home to a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and art, as well as a 120-acre botanical garden. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history, collections, and attractions of the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

History The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens was founded by Henry E. Huntington, a businessman and collector who made his fortune in the railroad and real estate industries. Huntington began collecting books and manuscripts in the late 19th century and amassed one of the largest private collections of rare books and manuscripts in the world. In 1919, Huntington opened his private library and art collection to the public, creating the Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Over the years, the institution expanded to include a botanical garden, and in 2005, it was renamed the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Collections The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is home to a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and art. Some of the highlights of the collection include:

Rare Books and Manuscripts The Huntington Library has a collection of over 9 million items, including rare books and manuscripts spanning the 11th to the 21st centuries. Some of the notable items in the collection include a Gutenberg Bible, a Shakespeare First Folio, and the Ellesmere Chaucer manuscript.

Art Collection The Huntington Art Collection features European art from the 15th to the early 20th century, American art from the late 17th to the mid-20th century, and a growing collection of Chinese art. Notable works in the collection include Thomas Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy," Mary Cassatt's "Breakfast in Bed," and Edward Hopper's "The Long Leg."

Botanical Gardens The Huntington Botanical Gardens cover 120 acres and feature a wide variety of plants from around the world. The gardens are divided into several themed areas, including the Desert Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden, and the Rose Garden.

Attractions In addition to its collections, the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Some of the highlights include:

Exhibitions The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing items from its collections as well as traveling exhibitions from other institutions.

Tours Visitors can take guided tours of the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, including tours of the rare book and manuscript collections, the art collections, and the botanical gardens.

Education Programs The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including lectures, workshops, and classes.

Events The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, film screenings, and holiday events.

Conclusion The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a world-class cultural institution located in Pasadena, California. With its vast collections of rare books, manuscripts, and art, as well as its beautiful botanical gardens and exciting attractions, the Huntington is a must-see destination for visitors to Southern California.

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FAQs

1. What are the Huntington Library's hours of operation? The Huntington Library is open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Tuesday.

2. How much does it cost to visit the Huntington Library? Admission to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is $25 for adults, $21 for seniors (age 65 and older), $13 for students (ages 12-18 or with a valid student ID), and free for children under 12.

3. Are there any dining options at the Huntington Library? Yes, the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens has several dining options, including the 1919 café, the Freshwater Dumpling and Noodle House, and the Red Car coffee shop.

4. Is photography allowed at the Huntington Library? Photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, but commercial photography and videography require a permit.

5. Can I bring my dog to the Huntington Library? Only service animals are allowed in the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, and they must be on a leash and under the control of their owner at all times.