介绍：The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, located in San Marino, California, began as the home of Henry E. Huntington and his wife, Arabella. Huntington, a businessman who got his start working for his uncle, Collis P. Huntington, in the railroad industry, collected art and rare manuscripts. Huntington loved gardens and eventually brought plants from around the world to his Southern California estate. The Huntingtons decided to open their home and gardens to the world through the establishment of a non-profit educational trust. Today, more than 500,000 people enjoy the art galleries, gardens and library exhibits each year.
History

California railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington invited his nephew, Henry, to work for him. Twenty years later, still working for the railroad, Henry moved west. While traveling, he visited a home near Los Angeles, called "San Marino," and he liked it so much that he later bought the estate. As Henry's fortune grew – he expanded his interests to include real estate, finance and utility management – he began to collect art, manuscripts and rare books. He also built a new mansion on his estate. This elegant home eventually became the Huntington Gallery.

When he was in his early sixties, Henry married his uncle's widow, Arabella, who was also an avid art collector. They realized that their holdings were quite valuable – priceless, in some cases – and decided to build a library to house their huge collection of manuscripts, books and documents. Henry and Arabella created their trust in 1919, giving future generations the opportunity to view their collections, conduct research in the Library and enjoy the colorful flowers and unusual plants in their 120-acre Botanical Garden. In 1928, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens opened to the public.
Collections

The Huntington Art Gallery reopened in May 2008 after a $20 million renovation. The Gallery was elegant before the renovation, and it's spectacular now. You can tour the Huntington's home, furnished with antiques as it was when Henry and Arabella lived there, and see not only paintings but also French porcelain and tapestries. Thomas Gainsborough's Blue Boy and Thomas Lawrence's Pinkie are probably the best-known paintings in the collection, but you'll also find works by van Dyck, Canaletto, Turner and Constable.

The Huntington Library attracts scholars from around the world. The Library's rare book collection includes a Gutenberg Bible, the Ellesmere manuscript of Canterbury Tales, a 60,000-item Jack London archive and works by Audubon and Shakespeare. Researchers come to read manuscripts, documents and letters from medieval and Renaissance Europe, the California missions and 18th- and 19th-century United States and Great Britain. Visitors can see the highlights of the Rare Books Collection as well as a selection of the Library's photographs and prints.
Gardens

For many visitors, the Botanical Gardens are the highlight of their Huntington experience. Henry Huntington brought plants from around the world to his estate. Today, you can wander through 14 different themed garden areas in the 120-acre Botanical Garden, including Japanese, Jungle, Rose and Camellia Gardens. There's even a special Children's Garden for the younger set. Whether you prefer the riotous colors of camellias or the tranquility of the Shakespeare Garden, the Botanical Garden is a relaxing place for an afternoon stroll.
Tours and Special Events

The Huntington offers several different types of tours. Several are reserved for groups of 10 or more, and all but the free garden tours require advance bookings.

The Free Daily Garden Tour is available every day The Huntington is open, except for the first Thursday of the month ("Free Thursday"). Times vary, so you'll need to stop by the Information Desk to find out when to meet for the tour.

The $55 Tea and Tour package includes admission to The Huntington, a private tour and tea at The Huntington's famous Rose Garden Tea Room. This package is available to groups of four or more. You'll need to make reservations at least a month before you plan to visit.

Group tours for 10 or more people, include the Chinese Garden Tour and the Estate Tour. If you plan to visit The Huntington with a large group, consider booking one of these guided walking tours.

The Huntington presents many special events throughout the year, including seminars, plant sales, concerts and lectures. You can read more about these special programs on The Huntington's Events Calendar.
Plan Your Visit

The Huntington is open Mondays and Wednesdays – Fridays from 12:00 noon to 4:30 P.M. On weekends, you can visit from 10:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. The Huntington is closed on Tuesdays. There is an admission charge, which is higher on the weekends. The Huntington does give senior discounts.

The Huntington offers free admission with advance tickets the first Thursday of every month. Tickets go fast, so you'll need to plan ahead.

There are two places to eat at The Huntington. You can enjoy a real English Tea in the Rose Tea Room ($24.95 adults, reserve at least two weeks ahead) or purchase sandwiches, burgers, salads and snacks at the Café. No picnics are allowed on the grounds, but you can eat a picnic lunch or snack at the small eating area near the parking lot.

Wheelchairs are available; call ahead to reserve one for your visit. All of The Huntington's buildings are wheelchair-accessible. Most of the pathways in the Botanical Gardens are also accessible. Some paths are steep or have uneven surfaces; The Huntington publishes a map that shows which walkways might present problems.

Hours Sept-May Mon and Wed-Fri noon-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am-4:30pm; June-Aug Wed-Mon 10:30am-4:30pm

Location San Marino (near Pasadena, with easy access from the 110 highway or 210 freeway)

Prices Admission $15 adults, $12 seniors 65 and over, $10 students and children ages 12-18, $6 children ages 5-11, free for children 4 and under; free to all the 1st Thurs of each month