The Complete Guide to Visiting The Huntington
The Huntington in Pasadena is a world-renowned cultural and educational destination offering groundbreaking experiences for the endlessly curious.
This unique “three-in-one” institution features an acclaimed art museum, a landmark library of rare books and manuscripts, and a spectacular 127 acres of themed botanical gardens.
About The Huntington
Founded in 1919 by Henry E. and Arabella Huntington, this cultural center advances research and fosters public engagement through its expansive library, art collections, and botanical gardens. The Huntington offers scholarships, creates innovative programs for students and lifelong learners, and shares its impressive resources to promote discovery and connection in Pasadena.
Location, Hours, & Admission
Location
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
Hours
Wednesday-Monday | 10am-5pm
Friday-Sunday | By reservation
Admission
Reservations are required when visiting The Huntington on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, on holidays, and at various points during the peak season. On weekdays, reservations are not required but are strongly encouraged.
Tickets | Monday-Thursday | Friday–Sunday, Holidays, and Peak Seasons |
| Member | Free | Free |
| Adult | $29 | $34 |
| Senior (65+) | $24 | $28 |
| Military (with ID) | $24 | $28 |
| Student (12-18 or full-time with ID) | $24 | $28 |
| Youth (4-11) | $13 | $15 |
| Museums For All (SNAP EBT) | $5 | $5 |
| Child (under 4) | Free | Free |
| College Card (full-time with ID) | $36 | $36 |
Insider’s Tip: Free Day tickets are released to the public on the last Thursday of every month at 9am and can be used for admission the following week.
Botanical Gardens
The Huntington features sixteen themed botanical gardens that span almost 130 acres. Botanical collections feature roses, succulents, orchids, tropical plants, and more, including rare species.
The sixteen collections include:
- Australian Garden
- California Garden
- Camellia Garden
- Children's Garden
- Chinese Garden
- Conservatory
- Desert Garden
- Herb Garden
- Japanese Garden
- Jungle Garden
- Lily Ponds
- Palm Garden
- Ranch Garden
- Rose Garden
- Shakespeare Garden
- Subtropical Garden
- Garden Sculptures & Fountains
- Mausoleum
Japanese Heritage Shōya House
Hours: Wednesday-Monday | 12-4pm
Visit this restored 18th‑century home and farmstead from rural Japan, offering a glimpse of village life 300 years ago. Built around 1700, this 3,000‑square‑foot residence once stood at the heart of community life in Marugame, Japan.
Conservation
In addition to the gardens, The Huntington has many living collections, including orchids, cycads, and bonsai, which can be found throughout the garden grounds. These core collections are carefully preserved, expanded, and shared with the public, supporting botanical research, from conservation and cryopreservation to educational programs such as lectures, gardening workshops, demonstrations, and plant sales.
Art Collections
The Huntington Art Gallery focuses on European art from the 15th to the early 20th century and American art from the 17th to the mid-20th century. The collection includes almost 50,000 pieces of art from America, East Asia, and Europe. There are also temporary exhibits that rotate throughout the art gallery.
Art enthusiasts can stop by for art-spotlight conversations to learn more about the work on view in the gallery. These daily, 15-minute, docent-led deep dives are free with general museum admission.
Library
The Huntington Library is one of the world’s most renowned independent research libraries. It is home to 12 million items spanning the 11th through 21st centuries. The research library attracts more than 1,700 scholars each year and awards approximately 150 grants annually for advanced humanities research. Thousands of people use the facility’s virtual services every year, and millions use its virtual collections.
Visitors can explore impressive collections of rare books, manuscripts, and famous works of art, including Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy," Mary Cassatt's "Breakfast in Bed," a Gutenberg Bible, an illuminated manuscript of Chaucer's “The Canterbury Tales,” and a First Folio edition from Shakespeare.
Events
From plant showcases and garden strolls to estate tours and cultural celebrations, there’s always something happening at The Huntington. Learn more and plan your visit around these events by checking The Huntington events calendar.
Insider's Tip: Want to find more fun local events? Be sure to look at Visit Pasadena's event calendar as well.
Event Venue
Host your event at The Huntington for a unique and breathtaking venue that can host anything from small meetings and celebrations to large-scale weddings and corporate dinners. Explore the available venues at The Huntington, ranging from intimate courtyards for 40 people to spaces for up to 400.
Related Content
Things to Do
Live Your Bridgerton Dreams in Pasadena
Fans of the beloved Bridgerton series must plan a visit to Pasadena and live out their high society dreams. Our Bridgerton-inspired itinerary is the perfect…
Things to Do
14 Best Things to Do in Pasadena, CA
Welcome to Pasadena! We’re Esther and Jacob of LocalAdventurer.com, and this is our guide to the best things to do in Pasadena.
Meetings
Inspiring Outdoor Meeting Spaces in Pasadena
Holding your meeting in Pasadena means your attendees will get to enjoy fresh air, wide-open spaces, and of course, the beautiful Southern California sunshine.