A Day at the Huntington Library.

In the greater Los Angeles resides "The Huntington". What is this place, you ask? Founded by Henry Edwards Huntington in 1919, it houses what are now a library, art collections, and a variety of botanical gardens.

1151 Oxford Road • San Marino • California • 91108

Admission: Weekends - $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, $6 youth, free for children under 5. Group rate $14/person for groups of 15 or more.

Weekdays - $15 adults, $12 seniors, $10 students, $6 youth, free for children under 5.

Group rate $11/person for groups of 15 or more.

EVERY FIRST THURSDAY IS FREE.

 The Huntington Library building. Here, a collection of rare books and manuscripts of British and American history and literature are displayed for visitors to observe. It is on the largest and most complete research libraries in the United States in its specializations. Are you familiar with Chaucer's Canterbury Tales or the Gutenberg Bible? They're here!

 

OOTD: Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Cardigan sweater: F21 (similar, similar), Dress: Cotton On, Tights: Betsy Johnson from Nordstrom Rack, Ankled oxfords: F21(similar)

Lunch time! There's a nice cafe grill located near the rose garden, where everything is made to order. Telapia fish tacos and chicken pesto sandwich. Yummy.

The botanical gardens are my favorite part of visiting the Huntington. From the Rose Garden, housing the statue of Aphrodite, the godess of love -- to the Japanese Garden (which is currently being renovate - reopening in April 2012), I find my mind starting to be completely at ease.

And if you want to take a little ride on the wild side, Subtropical, Herb, Jungle, and Palm gardens are also on the grounds. With such variety, its no wonder so many visit this beautiful place.

After passing the Jungle Garden, be prepared for the desert life. The Desert Garden is a large grouping of mature cacti and other succulents. The varieties still amaze me. I'm used to seeing the stereotypical cacti on family trips. Who knew there could be so many different types.

Next, visit the Art Collections in the Hungtingtons' old residence. The gallery displays one of the finest collections of European art in the nation, as well as giving all visitors a taste of Huntington's lifestyle here, which was, believe it or not, a ranch. 

 

Two of the most famous paintings amongst the wide collection of British and French art that are part of the Huntington are "Pinkie" by Lawrence and "Blue Boy" by Gainsborough. I used to come to the Huntington back in the day, and "Pinkie" was my favorite. Even though I was just a child, I felt like I could relate to her. And...that I was her.

View from outside the Huntington residence. 

Can you imagine looking out if this was your "backyard"?

Aside from the many things to do in LA, the Huntington is one of those that aren't widely known. But, if you're one who likes to step out into nature while being chummy with a few art pieces, please do visit if you get the chance. 

I'm hoping to take another trip by the summer when the Japanese garden will be ready for me to explore. You all already know how much I love Japanese inspired places... ♡

Our exit, reminding us that Chinese New Year is upon us. 

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

"Remember me?" ^^