Time can be tight when you’re visiting one of Southern California’s culturally rich landmarks, so knowing the must-see things to see is essential.
In this new feature, we offer up the best things to see at museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, shopping districts, entertainment centers and more so you can make the most of any outing.
So let’s begin with the wondrous Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanic Gardens in San Marino, where communications coordinator Lisa Blackburn served as our guide.
The Blue Boy
Thomas Gainsborough’s iconic 1770 portrait has been a must-see at the Huntington since the gallery opened in 1928. The work depicts an 18th century youth dressed in 17th century aristocratic attire in tribute to court painter Anthony Van Dyck. Please note it will be off-view Aug. 8-Oct. 31 for a conservation study, as well as intermittently beginning fall 2018 for conservation treatment; however, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Sir Thomas Lawrence’s popular “Pinkie.”
Where to find it: Thornton Portrait Gallery.
Madonna and Child
Curators and art critics consider this work created by Rogier van der Weyden around 1460 the most important piece in the venue’s art collections. Mary’s face is a beguiling mix of serenity and maternal concern.
Where to find it: Second floor with other Renaissance paintings and bronzes.
The Jonathan and Karin Fielding Wing
There is 5,000 square feet of new gallery space devoted to early American paintings, furniture and works of decorative art. It connects with the existing rooms of the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries for American Art, creating a total of 26,000 square feet of gallery space for a display of works from the colonial period through the mid-20th century.
Gutenberg Bible
Printed by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany around 1455 this was the first substantial book printed in the West using moveable metal type. This copy is one of only 11 on vellum that are known still to exist. Henry Huntington purchased the book in 1911 and paid the then-record price for a book of $50,000.
Where to find it: Library Exhibition Hall.
The Birds of America
John James Audubon’s large format book boasts pages about 39 inches high and 26 inches wide to accommodate the illustrations of the birds at their actual sizes. There are 435 hand-colored engraved plates depicting 1,065 birds. The pages of the book are turned periodically for conservation purposes and to give visitors new birds to look for on each visit.
Where to find it: Library Exhibition Hall.
Beautiful Science – Ideas that Changed the World
Drawn from the Huntington’s history of science holdings, this permanent exhibit, encourages visitors to think about the breakthroughs and discoveries in science and the people and stories behind them. It is arranged in four areas — astronomy, natural history, medicine and light.
Where to find it: Library Exhibition Hall.
Desert Garden
Established in 1907, this is one of the oldest and most popular garden areas at the Huntington. It features more than 2,000 species of succulents and desert plants. Seasonal blooms range from bold red aloes in winter to neon-hued puyas in spring and cactus flowers in summer.
Japanese Garden
It sits in a canyon flanked by camellias, pines, Japanese maples, and cherry trees. A traditionally furnished Japanese House overlooks a pond spanned by a moon bridge and from the house, a zigzag bridge leads past a waterfall into the Zen Garden, the Bonsai Court and up to a ceremonial teahouse.
Chinese Garden
Debuting in 2008, this is the newest garden at the Huntington. Its proper name is Liu Fang Yuan, or The Garden of Flowing Fragrance and it was inspired by the traditional scholar gardens in Suzhou, China. A complex of pavilions surrounds a 1.5-acre lake, set against a wooded backdrop of mature oaks and pines and ornamented with many plants native to China. Chinese cuisine and teas can be enjoyed in its teahouse.
Bonus
Did you know that several of the Huntington’s gardens have fairy doors? These tiny portals lead to miniature, magical worlds of the imagination.
Where to find it: Children’s Garden, Rose Garden and — you’ll have to discover the rest yourself.
If you want to go to the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanic Gardens
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, closed Independence Day.
Where: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino.
Tickets: $23 adults, $19 seniors and students and $10 youth 4-11 and free for children under 4 weekdays and $25 adults, $21 seniors and students, $10 youth 4-11 and free for children under 4 weekends . Free for all on first Thursday of the month with advance ticket.
Information: 626-405-2100, www.huntington.org.