Huntington Library

Huntington Library, officially known as The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, is a renowned cultural and research institution in San Marino, California. Founded by railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington in 1919, the institution encompasses a world-class research library, an extensive art collection, and over 130 acres of specialized botanical gardens. It serves as a major center for the study of the humanities and is a premier destination for scholars and the public alike, attracting visitors from around the globe to its historic estate.

History

The institution's origins are deeply tied to the life and vision of its founder, Henry E. Huntington, a pivotal figure in the development of Southern California through his work with the Southern Pacific Railroad. He began amassing his vast collections of books and art in the early 20th century, purchasing significant materials from dealers like George D. Smith and the estate of E. Dwight Church. In 1919, Huntington and his second wife, Arabella Huntington, transformed their private estate into a public institution, filing articles of incorporation. Following Henry's death in 1927, the institution opened to scholars and later to the public, guided by early directors such as Max Farrand. Its growth was further supported by major acquisitions, including the Mackenzie Collection of British history and the papers of Jack London.

Collections

The library's research collections are among the most comprehensive in the world for the study of Anglo-American civilization, containing over 11 million items. Its crown jewels include an exceptional collection of British and American historical materials, such as the Ellesmere manuscript of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales and a Gutenberg Bible. The institution holds the largest assemblage of materials related to the American Civil War west of the Mississippi River, alongside major archives for William Shakespeare, John James Audubon, and Charles Bukowski. The art collection is equally distinguished, featuring celebrated works like Thomas Gainsborough's The Blue Boy and Thomas Lawrence's Pinkie, alongside significant holdings of European decorative arts and American art.

Gardens

The botanical gardens are a defining feature, comprising over a dozen thematic landscapes across 130 acres. Notable gardens include the iconic Japanese Garden with its historic moon bridge and bonsai court, the expansive Desert Garden featuring one of the world's largest outdoor collections of cacti and succulents, and the meticulously designed Chinese Garden named Liu Fang Yuan. Other significant landscapes are the Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Jungle Garden, and the Australian Garden. These gardens serve not only for display and conservation but also as living laboratories for horticultural science and public education, with many plants acquired through expeditions and collaborations with institutions like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Research and education

As a leading independent research center, it awards approximately 200 competitive fellowships annually to scholars from around the world through programs like the Mellon Fellowship and the Dibner History of Science Program. The research division publishes the scholarly journal Huntington Library Quarterly and hosts numerous academic conferences and lectures. For the public, it offers a robust array of educational initiatives, including school tours, teacher workshops, lectures by notable figures such as David McCullough, and community programs. The institution also organizes major exhibitions that travel internationally, often in partnership with museums like the British Library and the Morgan Library & Museum.

Architecture and grounds

The core of the institution is situated on the former Huntington Estate, with the main building being the historic Huntington Art Gallery, originally the Huntington family residence designed by architects Myron Hunt and H. C. Chambers in the Beaux-Arts style. Other significant structures include the Library Exhibition Hall, the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American art, and the modern Steven S. Koblik Education and Visitor Center. The grounds themselves are an integral part of the experience, featuring architectural elements like the historic Huntington Mausoleum, the Japanese House, and various fountains and pavilions integrated within the botanical gardens, creating a harmonious blend of built and natural environment.

Category:Research libraries in the United States Category:Art museums in California Category:Botanical gardens in California Category:San Marino, California Category:Libraries established in 1919