The Mapel Orientation Gallery has a fantastic film on loop that details the Huntington story. You’ll be greeted by friendly docents and staff who will answer any questions about the site. We recommend you plan on visiting the site for at least several hours to see the spectacular galleries and gardens.
The Rose Garden is currently in full bloom. It is a visual and fragrant experience not to miss during a spring day. They have an array of variations which include “Bewitched,” “Lagerfeld,” “Givenchy,” and “French Perfume.”
We recommend the experiencing the serene Japanese Garden. It is part of the 120 acres of botanical displays. You will want to spend time relaxing and meditating in such spaces.
The elegant European Art gallery is contained in a 55,000 square feet estate with period furniture. Henry and Arabella Huntington resided in this vast household.
It is adorned by some more modern fixtures such as this electric chandelier that replaced a candelabra. There is an elaborate library with part of Henry’s rare book collection.
The Thornton Portrait Gallery contains some of the most fine pieces in the collection. You will admire the larger-than-life portraiture.
One of the most iconic paintings in British and American history, The Blue Boy, was made around 1770 by English painter Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788). Henry and Arabella Huntington purchased The Blue Boy in 1921 for $728,000, the highest price ever paid for a painting at that time.
This painting had the first major conservation treatment in 2019. Home to the work since its acquisition by founder Henry E. Huntington in 1921, The Huntington Library conducted some of the project’s conservation treatment in public view as part of a year-long educational exhibition.
Estate libraries were symbols of education and refinement and were typically used for private study, enrichment and leisure. Henry and Arabella Huntington worked closely with Myron Hunt in 1907 and 1908 on the design and decoration of this house. At that time, Henry had the largest book collection in the United States and this room was intended to showcase some of these volumes. The Large Library’s final form, however, also reflects Arabella’s devotion to French decorative art, In fact, some bookcases were eliminated and the room’s shape was altered to provide space for the tapestries that Henry purchased in 1909 at Arabella’s suggestion. Two of the room’s curved corners were squared to add just enough extra length to accommodate the tapestries.
The Huntington Library is home to one of the most distinguished collections of rare books, manuscripts, and ephemera in the world. Spanning centuries and continents, its holdings reflect the breadth and depth of human knowledge, creativity, and history. Explore their collections as a Researcher when you apply for access. The collection includes the following materials:
Rare Manuscripts: The library houses treasures such as a Gutenberg Bible on vellum, the Ellesmere Chaucer (an illuminated manuscript of The Canterbury Tales), and original letters by historical figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Literary Works: The collection boasts first editions of Shakespeare’s works, original manuscripts from authors like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, and an extensive archive of American and British literature.
Historical Documents: Rich in early Americana, the library preserves materials related to the Founding Fathers, early exploration, and the development of the United States.
Science and Exploration: Works by luminaries such as Galileo, Newton, and Darwin highlight the library’s contributions to documenting the history of science and discovery.
Art Books and Fine Bindings: Exquisite examples of bookbinding, typography, and illustrated works offer a glimpse into the artistry of bookmaking.
The official map of Orange County, California and portions of adjacent counties : compiled from official and private surveys / by S.H. Finley, Civil Engineer, Santa Ana and J.L. McBride, County Engineer, Orange County, Courtesy of the Huntington Rare Book Maps.
70 Degrees maintains a personal library collection of more than 1,000 books. Some are first editions and have been loaned to museums. A collection is defined by owning more than 500 books according to Penguin Press. We recommend using Omeka.net to organize your collection using the Library of Congress subject headings.
George Stubbs’ Zebra was recently exhibited on loan in the European Art Gallery. You can view the current and upcoming exhibition schedule here.