About The Huntington
The Huntington, a world-renowned cultural and educational institution, provides transformative experiences for a community of the curious.
Founded in 1919 by Henry E. and Arabella Huntington, it supports research and promotes public engagement through its expansive library, art, and botanical collections. By cultivating dynamic scholarship, creating innovative programs for students and lifelong learners, and sharing its extraordinary resources, The Huntington invites all on a journey of discovery, insight, and connection.
Our Mission | The Huntington shares its world-renowned collections to support scholarship, foster learning, inspire creativity, and offer transformative experiences for diverse audiences.
Explore the Collections
Library
One of the world’s great independent research libraries, with some 12 million items spanning the 11th to the 21st centuries.
Art Museum
A world-class collection featuring over 45,000 artworks from Europe, America, and Asia that span more than 500 years.
Botanical Gardens
Sixteen themed gardens span roughly 130 acres, and the botanical complex includes research facilities as well as a herbarium.
Library and Art Conservation
Conservators and technicians treat rare books, manuscripts, objects, works of art on paper, photographic materials, and paintings to ensure they are accessible today and for future generations.
Botanical Conservation
This program includes maintenance of an active herbarium, seed bank, pollen bank, dried tissue bank, in-vitro repository, and cryobank—all of which are used to further research, teaching, and sustainability measures.
Ways to Connect
The Huntington is a welcoming place of discovery and reflection for a global community, both on-site and online. Our staff, scholars, and volunteers embrace the diversity of backgrounds, traditions, and experiences of those we serve in Los Angeles and beyond.
Plan Your Visit
Find details on admission, hours, guided tours, current exhibitions, upcoming events, and other key information about visiting.
Research and Fellowships
Some 2,000 scholars from around the world travel to The Huntington each year to conduct research in history, literature, botanical science, art history, and the history of science, technology, and medicine.
Education
We spark and support a lifelong love of learning, connecting people of all ages to The Huntington’s collections through tours, interactive programs, classroom resources, and collaborations with local organizations.
Our History
Henry E. and Arabella D. Huntington transformed their private estate into a public institution in August 1919, making their vast collections of literature, art, and plants accessible “to promote the public welfare.”
Our Organization
The Huntington community comprises nearly 54,000 Member households, approximately 1,200 active volunteers, and more than 600 full- and part-time staff. We are an independent nonprofit organization, supported by earned revenues; gifts and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies; and a private endowment.
Additional Resources
Using the Library
Researchers who are over 18 and have a justified need to use our collections have access to the Library’s reading rooms.
Accessibility
The Huntington is committed to making its collections, buildings, programs, and services accessible for all visitors.
Special Events
Our grounds provide a perfect setting for a variety of events, from weddings and large corporate dinners to meetings and retreats.
Land Acknowledgment
The Huntington has a responsibility to honor and respect Indigenous communities and recognize their enduring relationship to the land.