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Library Art Museum Botanical Gardens

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A crowd watches a hot air balloon in the sky.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Pasadena Views from an Ill-Fated Balloon Ride

What may be the first aerial photographs of Pasadena, captured in 1909, were the product of a risky—almost disastrous—undertaking. When photographer Harold A. Parker was on the balloon American, he took photos of the city from the air. But the journey became harrowing when the balloon flew off course.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

A large white lily flower near green leaves in water.

The Victoria water lily flower in its female phase is creamy white with a pineapple-like scent. Photo by Linnea Stephan. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Giant Water Lilies Afloat at The Huntington

More than a century has passed since the iconic Victoria water lily last graced The Huntington’s botanical collections. Today, you’ll find these intriguing tropical giants growing in the basin of the North Vista’s fountain and in the Lily Ponds on the south side of the property.

The Victoria water lily flower in its female phase is creamy white with a pineapple-like scent. Photo by Linnea Stephan. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Desert Garden sign that says, “This Plant Was Stolen,” with QR codes for more info.

In response to a series of plant thefts from the Desert Garden in 2021, The Huntington created signage that calls attention to the crime. This approach is serving as a model for other botanical gardens as they collaborate with The Huntington to increase public awareness of the problem. Photo by Linnea Stephan. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Raising Awareness about the Illegal Plant Trade

Plant theft from botanical collections—including The Huntington’s—and wild habitats has escalated. Like works of fine art, certain plants are highly prized and sought-after in a growing black-market economy.