LIFE AS I KNOW IT

1.21.2012

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 JacobsCardigan 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?" ^^
31 comments on "A Day at the Huntington Library."
  1. I love this place!! Your kitteh is adorable!

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  2. this place looks amazing!! and your pictures are lovely! do you edit them or are they taken just like this?

    p.s. agree with the summer dresses!! maybe if i keep dreaming it, spring will come sooner!

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  3. Amazing pictures! I've been to huntington once but never got to go all over and check stuff out. I think we only went for the beach and to go to a hookah bar. Cute kitty :)

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  4. Wow! I've never been to a lib like this. The only library I ever went to was our university lib! Hihi

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  5. Wait? This is a library!?!! :O My mind is bamboozled!

    Love hte pics!! You're such a pro ! :D Awww the kittehhhhhhhh

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  6. Tiffany, my bf and I absolutely love this place. I call it Disney Land for Adults without the rides haha. I want to go back again in Spring!

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  7. Please take me heree!!! It's so pretty. Really reminds me of Paris is so many ways.
    Loving your outfit! Especially the cardigan!!!!! :D

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  8. I love libraries - this place is gorgeous, I have to come here one day! So beautiful and even the food looks delicious...

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  9. omg omg its so gorgeouss !!!!!! Thanks for the pictures C: Then I'd know if it's a good place to visit someday ! Ahaha, it's so pretty. I love all the lanterns that they hung up. So coolllll (>.<) & the rooms are so hugeee !

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  10. I took them all with my phone and edited them on my phone afterwards. :]

    YESSS~ and spring will be such a lovely time in Tokyo! 

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  11. Ooh~ this isn't in Huntington Beach, but in Pasadena. :] But Huntington Beach is nice too!

    Hehe. Thanks~

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  12. Hehe. This is definitely a true library of super old books! XD

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  13. Hehe yessss! Even more so that you should come and visit. :D

    Aww~ thanks!! :D I enjoy taking pics on my little adventures to share will you all. kittehh!! <3

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  14. HAHA! That's so true...and SO MUCH CHEAPER too!! Yess~ definitely go back in the spring!

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  15. I WILL!! You just gotta visit me first. ;]
    Senkuu!!

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  16. You must!!! And admission is well spent towards keeping this place beautiful. :]

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  17. You're welcome!! YES! Definitely come and visit. :]

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  18. omg u go to such whimsical & "smart" places hahahhaha only places u see me blog abt r places that sell food or makeup LOL but that really is such a pretty library!! didn't even know it existed. can't believe they charge though...it's a library!! gahhh your cat is so cute ^^ HAPPY NEW YEAR TIFF!!!! XX

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  19. I can easily spend a day or two at this Library. It's so nice! I love the Jungle Garden - I've always had a thing for cactus haha. Great photos too!

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  20. so fun!  Thanks for taking us along.  You look adorable, love the cardigan.

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  21. Aww .. who's the big eyed cat??  so cute!

    Love the Huntington .. it's hard to believe that such a fantastic place is in many of our backyards (if you live in SoCal) ... love the Blue Boy~

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  22. I keep telling myself every year that I need to visit this place.  Love the pics!  And your outfit  ;)

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  23. ahaha. I shall take you one day if your stay in LA is long enough next time! ;] 
    Yes. A library but...more like an art gallery/museum. lol. Happy New Year!! ;D <3

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  24. You must come visit some day!! It's a great little "getaway" from the city life here. :]

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  25. You're welcome!! :] Aww~ thank you!!!

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  26. Snowball! :]

    It's definitely one of those hidden gems in SoCal! 

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  27. Make this year THE year then. ;] Thank youu!!

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  28. your pictures are so pretty! Love how you edited them.. they look very vintage-y! I'm addicted to it right now.

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