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Philanthropic Support for the Chinese Garden

The Huntington's Chinese garden is privately funded. Under discussion since the mid-80’s, the garden was launched with a $10 million bequest received in 2001 from the estate of Peter Paanakker, a Los Angeles businessman and philanthropist.  Half of the $10 million seeded the construction fund, and the other half formed an operating endowment for programs and maintenance.

 

Many donors to the Chinese garden have come from the Chinese community. Enthusiastic and generous, these donors, both local and overseas, have contributed over $7 million to date, a testament to the cross-cultural and international scope and appeal of this project.

Exemplary gifts include two $1 million gifts from the H. Roger Wang family and from East West Bank, a $2 million challenge grant from The James Irvine Foundation, and two grants totaling $1 million from the Starr Foundation. We have also received numerous gifts ranging from $10 - $500,000 from additional donors as well as in-kind gifts from COSCO, Air China, and the Lincoln Plaza Hotel. Depending on funding, development of future phases of the Chinese Garden will proceed over a period of years; the estimated cost for completion of all 12 acres has not yet been determined.

Phase One Costs

Phase One was built in two stages: the Lake Stage and the Pavilions Stage. During the initial stage, the lake was lined, the infrastructure put into place (pumps, filtration, electrical lines), and the five stone bridges, footings, and foundations for the lake-side structures were constructed. After a seven month preview, the Lake Stage closed to the public in March 2007 so work could begin on the pavilions. The Pavilions Stage included the construction of seven pavilions, including the tea house and terrace, moon-gate pavilion, and double-roof hexagon pavilion.

In June 2007, the Phase One construction costs goal of $18.3 million was met. Fundraising continues for programs and endowments as well as for seed funds for the construction of Phase Two.