This place is a must see when you visit southern California. The collection includes a bonsai exhibition, tropical greenhouse, cactus garden and a really remarkable Japanese Garden, ponds, bridges, etc. They have a significant collection of art, furniture and photographs as well as a truly interesting library. And be sure to enjoy high tea service at the Japanese pavilion. Beautiful!
The Skinny:Parking - Free paved lotAdmission - $23 weekday, $25 Weekend, closed TuesdayHours - 12p-430pFree Day - first Thursday of the month (opens at 1030am) - you must get ticket in advanceTime - you can spend over 4 hours easyRestrooms - scattered all over the groundsLuckily for us, my friend and I went on a free day so we had more time to explore the grounds. The gardens are so big you really need several days to see everything. If its too warm you can always escape to one of the buildings and check out the exhibits in the cool. We also had reservations to have afternoon tea in the Rose Garden Tea Room. If you are going to eat at the gardens I would suggest bringing your own picnic and enjoy your repast on one of the lawns. I went to the tea many years ago and I had a nice time. This time the tea was served buffet style and while we weren't rushed by the server, it was a lackluster display and the tea was average at best. While there are a lot of areas with shade, a hat is a must or at least sunscreen and sunglasses. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must because the terrain is uneven.If you like museum stores then you need to check out this large and varied store with gifts for everyone!
Escape to the quite bedroom community of San Marino, CA, and you'll find an oasis in the middle of this beautiful community. Critics and scholars have written much on the Huntington Library and Gardens, so believe me when I say, a visit makes for a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the world outside of the Huntington's gates. A day walking through the varied specialty gardens and galleries that are the core of the Huntington, are a true stress releaver. The variety of gardens is delightful, and although I missed the bloom of the roses by about two weeks, the buds are all there, just waiting to burst forth. The cherry blossoms are in bloom in the Japanese Garden, and stunning camellias are alive with color throughout the grounds. Sit in the Chinese garden and sip a cold drink as you gaze over the pond. Admire the beautiful statuary throughout the gardens, or just sit and meditate on all the beauty that surrounds you. Summer will bring tremendous crowds, so if you want a lovely escape to all things beautiful, the Huntington certainly fits the bill.
非常安静而且美丽的地方,适合在园区里面散步,也能够观赏里面的展览。虽然地方比较偏远一点,不过在里面走一走的感觉非常棒。
I spent a great Monday at the Huntington in Pasadena. The combination of gardens and gallery's has something for everyone. Both the Chinese and Japanese gardens offer tranquility and beauty among their water features. The art collection is legendary. There is something for every taste from dutch masters to Andy Warhol. The children's garden and learning center make it fun for the kids.
If you enjoy the beauty of nature, and want to be amazed by the diversity of what it can produce - this is a do not miss!!! The succulent garden was overwhelming in its' glory. We spent 3 hours here, which was just enough time - and if you go you must go into the gift shop, which is as diverse as the gardens. We will definitely be going back.
While we visited, they were having a bonsai exhibition. That was good. The tropical greenhouse had everything including orchids which I love. The cactus garden was amazing! I have never seen thousands of cacti in my life. Pictures to be taken everywhere.
125 Acres of gardens. Excellent collection of American Art in new buildings. Extraordinary historical collection of manuscripts.
For years I had waited to see the Huntington Gardens, and when I had an open day in Los Angeles, I decided to head over to Pasadena and tour the gardens. Being in LA, its possile rot grow just about anything, which was the problem, the place seemed overgrown and not especially well groomed. The Japanese Garden was a huge disappointment after having studied Japanese Gardens in Kyoto. This one didn't know the concept of restraint. The Chinese garden seemed a bit cohesive. The American art collection was one of each, no real depth, and the European collection in the old mansion was portrait after portrait of people I didn't care about, the house was more interesting.
If you are visiting the LA area in southern California, a day trip to Pasadena is a must. You can begin by visiting Old Town, perhaps for a light breakfast or a simple cup of coffee and then make your way over to the Huntington Library and Gardens, about 4 minutes away in San Marino. Its hours are limited so you should plan on arriving at opening time since one can easily spend the entire day enjoying its many offerings. There are several cafes, restroom facilities and drinking fountains scattered about the property along with a Special Assistance Vehicle (SAV) or tram that continuously makes its way around the property with stops at several convenient locations, picking up tired visitors or those with special needs. There is also free and ample parking.The house is magnificent in architecture and style, capturing a time in America’s history when the industrial giants were in their heyday. Its contents include some of the finest European art, furniture, tapestries, etc. in the world. Caddy-corner from the house is the library, another magnificent building housing a vast collection of works and special exhibits and functioning as a research facility for scholarly pursuit.Another large building houses American Art with its Scott & Erburn Galleries and the Chandler Wing. Works by Andy Warhol, Mary Cassatt and other American expressionists, etc. along with photographs can be found here. Special exhibits are also possibilities for this building.The gardens are exquisitely maintained and lush, providing an intense, pleasurable barrage to the senses of sight, smell, sound and feel of the cool breezes that wistfully and periodically pass by, carrying the pleasurable scent of various blooming flowers. You can easily spend the entire day enjoying the large Desert Garden with thousands of cacti and succulents, the Japanese Garden with its lovely moon bridge, Japanese house and ceremonial tea house, the Chinese Garden with its flowing lake, tea house and shop and 5 stone bridges.The large conservatory contains collections of orchids and tropical plants along with a laboratory for hands-on experiences. These are educational and great for both children and adults. A child’s garden features a maze and activities for active children while adults can sit by, chat and watch.The entire property is exquisitely maintained and provide a rich experience for all who choose to visit. A big two thumbs up for the Huntington!