About Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
Henry E. Huntington's San Marino estate combines an internationally important rare book library, British and American art collections and 130 acres of themed botanical gardens.
Founded in 1919, Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens has been welcoming visitors for over 107 years. Today it draws approximately 800,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in San Marino, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 14,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens ranks #169
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #169 in our composite ranking, Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 4 hours, planning your route through Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆The Blue Boy (Gainsborough)
- ◆Gutenberg Bible
- ◆Japanese & Chinese Gardens
- ◆Desert Garden
Recognition & awards
Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Wed–Mon 10:00–17:00. Closed Tue.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens is located in San Marino, United States at coordinates 34.1289°N, -118.1145°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens was established in 1919, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in San Marino. With 800,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Americas region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens?
Wed–Mon 10:00–17:00. Closed Tue. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens?
Most visitors recommend spending 4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens located?
Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens is located in San Marino, United States. The exact coordinates are 34.1289°, -118.1145°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens known for?
Gainsborough, gardens and the Gutenberg Bible. Key highlights include The Blue Boy (Gainsborough), Gutenberg Bible, Japanese & Chinese Gardens. The museum holds a 4.9/5 rating from 14,000 reviews.
How many people visit Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens each year?
Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens receives approximately 800,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens founded?
Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens was founded in 1919, making it 107 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
