January 2018, my extended family and I were in So Cal, and took time to enjoy the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.
To reword my question from last time, is The Huntington a library, a botanical garden, or an art gallery? Yes to all three.
Here's Part I focusing on the Chinese Gardens, Part II on the Japanese Gardens, and Part III on the historic library collections.
The Huntington also has an incredible art collection, housed in the former residence Henry and Arabella Huntington. Let's head inside.
Walking through their former living room.
An original Frederick Remington.
Gilbert Stuart, George Washington (1797).
Charles Willson Peale, George Washington (1779–81).
The main gallery.
Sarah Goodwin Barrett Moulton, Pinkie (1794).
Info on Pinkie.
Thomas Gainsborough, The Blue Boy (1770). As a kid, I remember taking me (it probably felt like dragging me) to The Huntington. This is the one painting I remember. Wasn't super impressed as a kid, probably thinking "who in the world would dress like this?" Um, someone in 1770.
Info on The Blue Boy.
The Huntington's family dining room. Beyond the high end furniture, crystal chandelier, and tall ceilings, the room was ultimately a place where they ate meals together.
For some reason, this room reminded me of Henry and Arabella Huntington's humanity. That despite their incredible wealth, they were mortals with 70 or so years on earth. And, like all of us, would have to account for their lives.
Thinking about their humanity was less about them, more about me. As a Christian, how am I living out my life? If my faith central to how I'm investing my time, my talent, and finances? How do I treat others? How I love my enemies? As I've commented elsewhere, if I was on trial as a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?
More info on Henry and Arabella Huntington.
The outdoor patio. It's wild to remember that this was originally built as a museum, but as a private residence.
Tropical plants galore. This is just outside of the art gallery. We simply didn't have time to see and experience all of the various gardens on the 120 acre property.
Classically inspired statutes that were part of the original Huntington estate.
A modern fountain added in a few years ago, towards the exit. And, yes, obligatory gift shop.
Here's a link to The Huntington website.
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