The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a site in San Marino, California, that combines a library, art collections, and over 120 acres of public gardens. The gardens are divided into themed areas, including a Japanese garden with traditional structures from Japan, a Chinese garden styled after Suzhou, and a century-old desert garden filled with cacti and succulents.
The site was founded by businessman Henry E. Huntington and his wife Arabella, who brought together their private collections of art, books, and plants. The main building was completed in 1910 and reflects the Gilded Age style, while the gardens were expanded over time and now combine many international design traditions.
The gardens grew from the private collection of Henry E. Huntington and his wife Arabella, who loved roses and created a large rose garden. Today people from around the world visit the grounds to wander through themed gardens, view artworks from different periods, and see rare historical manuscripts.
Visitors should book tickets in advance as access is often limited, and wear comfortable shoes since the paths through the gardens are long. Free parking is available on site, and there are several places to rest and eat, including a cafe and a tea room in the rose garden.
The conservatory houses the corpse flower, a plant that blooms very rarely and releases a strong smell like rotting flesh when it does. Visitors often track the blooming online and rush to the glasshouse when the plant is about to open.
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