Libraries, Bookstores, & More: San Marino, CA
The Huntington’s personal library.
The Huntington
Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Books…and art…and flora. Oh my! Tucked amongst the beautiful tree-lined homes of San Marino, California in Pasadena County lives the former home of railroad and real estate businessman Henry Edwards Huntington. A native of Oneota, New York, Huntington, a large landholder in Southern California, purchased the San Marino Ranch in 1903, which became what is now known as The Huntington: Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Like many Southern Californian towns, the area that now makes up San Marino was acquired through a Mexican Land Grant in 1830—in the case of San Marino, it was given to Señora Victoria Reid, an indigenous woman, to which she named her new rancho, “Huerta de Cuati.” Before being in the possession of Señora Reid, the area was occupied by indigenous people, prior to being procured by the San Gabriel Mission, which was established in the year 1771.
By 1852, Huerta de Cuati was obtained by Don Benito Wilson, whose daughter, Maria de Jesus married J. de Barth Shorb—after bequeathing a portion of the land to de Jesus, de Barth Shorb renamed the portion of their rancho after his grandfather’s plantation in Maryland, that was named after the Republic of San Marino, to which the town of San Marino garnered its name. With the purchase of San Marino Ranch by Henry Edwards Huntington, along with surrounding areas, such as Wilson and Patton, the city of San Marino was incorporated in 1913, developing into the beautiful place you can now see today.
The Library, Art Museum, and Gardens:
With well over 11 million items spanning from the 11th to 21st century, the collection of art, botanical, and library works accumulated by Henry Edward and his wife, Arabella Duval is now the Huntington library we see today. The library itself boast 8 million manuscripts, 450,000 rare books, 900,000 prints and ephemera, and so much more. Featuring works of European and American art, the collections obtained by the Huntingtons houses artwork that spans over 500 years—while the botanical gardens display roughly 130 acres of flora from around the world, along with a conservatory that assists some 2,000 scholars and school programs within the Southern Californian area and beyond on their quest for knowledge in the fields of literature, art, history, medicine, and technology.
Visiting The Huntington:
Before coming to visit, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online, as it lends for a smoother entrance onto the grounds. However, make sure to come early. Despite its 207 acres, the parking lot is smaller than what you would find at other gardens, and fills up quickly—with that said, we arrived mid-afternoon and were able to find parking within 5 to 10 minutes.
Once you park, make note of the pennants (banners) that hang above each parking area; this will make finding your car easier and will help with the congestion within the parking lot. Upon entering The Huntington, be sure to have your bags ready and open for security check, and your tickets available for scanning at the admissions counter—but don’t tuck those tickets too far from reach, you will need them to enter certain parts of the gardens. If you arrive later during the day like my family and I did, the line for entry and to get to the admissions counter could take some time. However, we found that the reception counter between the Red Car Coffee Shop and The Huntington Store can do your initial scan into the museum.
Unlike other botanical gardens and museums, The Huntington is a place where I would recommend visiting their store first. From children’s books to contemporary literature, The Huntington Store houses a myriad of books that would be perfect to settle down with a read within any of the gardens (I recommend the rose garden or the lawn outside of the Huntington house). Outside of books, the store has plenty of art, mementoes, and jewelry available for your purchase.
After purchasing, head through the gardens to find a spot to read your new book, or pair your new find with a glass of wine at 1919 Café—outdoor seating is available and offers a scenic view of the gardens. If you’d rather enjoy the smell and beauty of old books, take a visit through the Library Exhibition Hall, where you can see the works of such literary master’s as Thoreau and 15th century writer, Geoffrey Chaucer. However, be sure to check the website for closures before visiting. If the library is closed, no worries, you can still get a glimpse of some of the literary works the Huntingtons collected in the Huntington Art Gallery, which was once the home of Henry and Arabella Huntington—you can have a peak of their personal library, as well as European art and beautiful stained-glass windows. Be sure to be quick about your visit to the art gallery, because The Blue Boy, painted by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), will be heading off to London in 2022. We had the pleasure of seeing The Blue Boy, and his contemporary counterpart, A Portrait of a Young Gentleman, which was commissioned to mark the centennial of The Blue Boy and created by artist Kehinde Wiley (b.1977).
The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788)
For Kids:
Despite its appearance of beauty and grandeur, The Huntington is an excellent place to take little ones. From the abundance of history, art, and its massive great lawn, The Huntington has a lot to see. However, if you’re concerned about the bustling energy of little hands and feet among priceless artifacts and art, fret not, there is a Children’s Garden fit for the imagination of any little. To get to the garden you’ll have to take a trip through the Conservatory—its interactive science center and rainforest like atmosphere hosts a myriad of exhibits children will enjoy. Once you’re done with your time there, go to the garden to expand your play—fit with splash pads and kid size doors, the Children’s Garden is a place where a child’s imaginative play will soar.
In addition to the Conservatory and Children’s Garden, the museum and botanical gardens provides various youth and family programs—this includes day camps, weekend activities, and workshops.
Other Things to See in The Area
If you’re not tired by all that The Huntington must explore, and want another place filled with serenity to enjoy your book, go see the beautiful grounds of the Old Mill Foundation. Completed by Father Jose Maria de Zalvidea in 1816, the Old Mill was a grist mill that worked to supplement the San Gabriel Mission. By 1903 it was purchased by the Huntingtons, to which it became a golf course and club house in 1914, for The Huntington Hotel, now called the Langham. Today, the Old Mill acts as a museum with small gardens to enjoy. Do note that there is no parking on the premises, and you will have to utilize street parking within the neighborhood.
If you’re interested in a bit of nostalgia, stop by and catch a glimpse of Pee Wee Herman’s House. Although it doesn’t have its bright red color, the house is still recognizable. However, take great care, as it is now a residential home within a quaint community.
Eat: Although the Huntington boasts two restaurants, a café, and a tearoom (currently closed), if you’re not up for what they have to offer, here are a few places to check out…
· San Marino Café & Marketplace
· San Marino Grill & Coffee Shop
Places to Stay: While there are a variety of places to stay within the area to suit your needs or fancy, I recommend The Langham. Known for its historical charm and amenities within the area, the hotel is fixed with grounds, architecture, and service that will make you feel like royalty. If you prefer something else, you can check out the Le Meridien Pasadena Arcadia, Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel, or the Omeo Suites.
So, if you’re ever in the Pasadena area, make a visit to The Huntington Library, for a day filled with learning, literature, and beauty.
