About
A Message from President Karen Lawrence
Opening Our Doors More Widely
One Sunday in June, while reading the LA Times, I came across an op-ed titled “How Los Angeles Was Sold to the World as a Paradise,” by Larry Gordon, a former staff writer for the paper. In it, Gordon thanked the Huntington Library for providing him with “access to its formidable rare book collection.” Armed with this access, he was able to research the origins of the California dream in 19th-century guidebooks to LA.
My chance discovery of Gordon’s acknowledgment to The Huntington is relevant to recent developments in our Library’s access policy, which allows those with a bona fide research purpose to reference our collections even if their work lies outside academia. As Sandra Brooke Gordon (no relation), our Avery Director of the Library, recently wrote in an open letter to our more than 2,100 current “Readers,” as we refer to them, research has always been at the heart of The Huntington’s mission. And when the Library reopened to researchers post-pandemic, we broadened our Reader access policy so that a greater range of individuals could study our materials. more
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Huntington’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic plan is fully focused on the intent of the founders and our commitment to preserve, build, and share our treasured collections for the benefit of a global community. Together, we will nurture a culture of belonging and excellence that is fundamental to this place we hold so dear.
Community Partnerships
More than 6,000 people engage with The Huntington’s collections each year through active community partnerships with organizations in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. At The Huntington, we see community engagement as a critical way to build a more inclusive cultural institution.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens shares its world-renowned collections to support scholarship, foster learning, inspire creativity, and offer transformative experiences for diverse audiences.
What We’re Working On
Desert Garden Improvement Project
The Desert Garden Improvement Project will open new areas of the upper Desert Garden, showcasing more of this world-renowned collection with the construction of new pathways, a renovated Desert Conservatory with all-new infrastructure, and greatly improved horticultural conditions to create new opportunities for learning and enjoyment. More