Today, I want to focus on a place that wears many hats at the same time.
And when I say many, I mean it.
Here is a sample of what this place is:
- Mansion
- Museum
- Library
- Botanical Garden
- Japanese Garden
- Tea Room
- Art Collection
- Conservatory
- Research Center
Do you know what place I am referring to?
I’ll give you one hint.
It is located in San Marino, California.
Ok, I know what you are thinking.
Where the heck is San Marino located?
San Marino is a small city located about 30 miles east of Los Angeles (closer to Pasadena).
The major landmark of the city is The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. This is an educational and research institution establishes by Henry Huntington, the nephew of a railroad tycoon.
Henry had a passion for collecting art and rare books. When he relocated from San Francisco to San Marino, an opulent mansion was built in a plot of land he bought. He filled the house with all sort of International (mostly European) furnishings. At the same time, experts helped him to acquire valuable pieces of art. One year after his death, the final collection he put together (valued in $50M) was opened to the public (as he ordered in his will).
Nowadays, The Huntington is a fresh respite of air in the middle of one of the world’s largest metropolis. If you enjoy all things beautiful, take a day to discover what Henry Huntington left for the generations to come.
Some pictures:
Mansion
The Huntington Mansion
Inside the mansion
Mansion Gallery
Dining Room
Living Room
Grand Staircase
Outdoor Sculpture
Avenue of Statues
Outdoor Decoration
Tea Room (or building)
Tea and Cafe Building
Fauna
Hummingbird
Butterfly
Gardens
Shade in the garden
Cactus Garden
Couple walking around flowers
Pond
Path meandering thru the garden
Paintings
Work of art
Painting
Have you visited The Huntington? Let me know in the comments section below.
It looks like a great place to spend the day in. I wish I knew about it when visiting Los Angeles
I love the fauna photos!
Ayelet – All Colores recently posted..Buenos Aires Photos: Tango Time
Well, at least you have an idea for when you visit LA again.
Ruth recently posted..Discovery of the Week: Visby, Sweden
I was there last month! And was quite impressed by everything that makes up the Huntington “Library”
I sped through most of it to give myself time to linger in their few galleries of modern art. They had very nice pieces by Louise Nevelson and Sam Francis.
Ashley recently posted..ArtSmart Roundtable: Saving a Metabolist Architectural Icon in Tokyo
I was also impressed by the library. They had an exhibition of old books and papers related to science. Very cool!!
Ruth recently posted..Discovery of the Week: Visby, Sweden
I’ve been to this area many many times (I’ve spent a lot of time in Huntington Beach). However, I’ve never heard of this place!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Best travel photos: My 7 Super Shots
I don’t know if you are confused but this place it is not close to Huntington Beach. It is close to Pasadena.
Ruth recently posted..Discovery of the Week: Visby, Sweden
I love the Huntington! I used to live near there. There aren’t many places that can combine such varied gardens and a great art and library collection. I can spend hours sitting at their Japanese garden. It’s a wonderful place to take kids too with an awesome children’s garden. Time to go back for the Spring blooms. We also like gawking at all the San Marino mansions outside of it =)
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Yellowstone Attractions with Kids
Great!!! When I went, there was an activity for the members. The place was packed. It is clear they have built a good relationship with the community. And yes, the houses around were awesome.
Ruth recently posted..Discovery of the Week: Visby, Sweden
Wow it’s really a diverse site isn’t it. The chanderliers are gorgeous!
Ayngelina recently posted..Food Friday: A Chef’s Cozumel
The chandeliers are great!! I noticed they appeared a lot on the photos.
What a beautiful place! Those paintings look incredible.
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The place was full of interesting artwork. I only took a quick glance thru some areas but it deserves much more time or repeated visits.
Ruth recently posted..Discovery of the Week: Visby, Sweden
Beautiful pics! Loved those paintings especially. Thanks for sharing the pics, I have never been there.
Have a nice day:)
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