Engagement Across Disciplines: The Library/Art Building Project

For more than a century, The Huntington has housed one of the world’s foremost research collections—a beacon of intellectual discovery shaped by founder Henry E. Huntington’s vision. But time and technology have transformed the landscape of scholarship, conservation, and public access. The original library building—completed in 1920, long before modern seismic codes and climate-controlled environments—was not built to meet the demands of the 21st century.

A composite image of five portrait photos. — Left to right: J. Mario Molina, M.D., Ken and Christine Bender, Philip D. Nathanson (Photo by Cris Lutz), Simon and June Li, and Greg Pieschala. Photos by Jamie Pham.
| The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

To meet these evolving needs, The Huntington is undertaking a bold new initiative: the development of the Library/Art Building (LAB), an 83,000-square-foot modernization that preserves the historic character of the original structure while transforming it into a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration.

For the first time, Library and Art Museum staff will work together in a purpose-built facility featuring new studios for paintings and objects preservation, expanded study areas, and secure, modern storage for rare and fragile materials. The project will retain the Mediterranean Revival–style façade designed by Myron Hunt, a prominent figure in early 20th-century Southern California architecture.

Fittingly, the LAB’s design comes from the major international architectural firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), with Samuel Anderson Architects contributing specialized expertise in collections storage and conservation studio design.

“This is the most ambitious building project in The Huntington’s history,” said Huntington President Karen R. Lawrence. “It reflects our deep commitment to stewardship, scholarship, and public engagement—and to creating spaces that will serve our collections and communities for the next century.”

One Huntington

The project originated from Lawrence’s search for a unified solution to parallel needs identified by both the Library and the Art Museum. That vision aligned with the institution’s strategic priority of “One Huntington,” where art, science, and the humanities are in active dialogue.

“The Trustees were unanimous inrecognizingthe importance of this project,” said Greg Pieschala, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We each felt it was importanttocontributegenerouslytothis

Expanding Engagement

In addition to integrating staff and collections, the LAB will transform how visitors and scholars experience The Huntington.

A new gallery, the Dibner Hall of Science, will replace the longtime “Beautiful Science” exhibition with “Worlds Unfolding,” an ambitious reinstallation that highlights The Huntington’s unparalleled holdings in science, medicine, and technology.

“This isn’t just about books under glass,” Molina said. “We’re creating a space where people can see, up close, the wonders of science and art on the page—side by side.”

The new reader spaces in the LAB will be beautiful areas that expand accommodations for researchers using reference or secondary collections. The Library exhibition halls in the LAB will provide opportunities for everyday visitors to engage with rare and specialized manuscripts, books, and photographs that open deep and nuanced stories about human relationships and relationships between people and the natural world. These public-facing improvements will expand access, promote inclusive scholarship, and support lifelong learning.

Access will also extend beyond academia. Today, many Huntington researchers—including writers, artists, and community historians—come from outside traditional scholarly institutions. The new facility will support this broader audience with accessible study areas and intuitive wayfinding.

Function Meets Vision

The LAB also solves longstanding structural and logistical challenges. “We’re solving a host of challenges,” said Trustee Simon Li, “and building not only for now but for the future.”

That future includes an 8,000-square-foot expansion of conservation studio capacity, with new purpose-built studios for paintings and objects preservation equipped for advanced imaging and scientific research. This will allow The Huntington to complete more delicate conservation work on-site and expand training opportunities through Mellon- and Getty-supported internships.

“People donate their collections to The Huntington because they know we have the scholars to study them and the ability to care for them,” Bender said. “So, we need to make sure we never run out of room.”

Century of Growth, Enduring Impact

The need for a facility like the LAB has become increasingly urgent. In the past decade alone, the Library’s holdings have grown from 8 million to more than 12 million items. The Art Museum’s collection has expanded from 35,000 to 44,000 works.

The LAB is both a response to this extraordinary growth and preparation for the future—advancing scholarship and stewarding cultural resources for generations to come.

With work set to begin in spring 2026, The Huntington is nearing the close of its $126.6 million fundraising campaign. More than $100 million has already been committed by foundations and donors who recognize what the LAB’s enduring impact will be. Naming opportunities remain available, and gifts of all sizes are welcome.

“This is a project well worth supporting,” said June Li, founding curator of the Chinese Garden and a contributor, along with her husband Simon, to the LAB campaign. “It’s central to The Huntington’s mission—and to its next 100 years.”

When once asked whether he planned to write an autobiography, Henry E. Huntington replied: “This Library will tell the story; it represents the reward of all the work that I have ever done and the realization of much happiness.”

Once completed, the Library/Art Building will continue that story for the next century and beyond.

For more information about how you can support this project, please contact Crystal Jones, assistant vice president for Advancement, at 626-405-2297 or cjones@huntington.org.

Engagement Across Disciplines: The Library/Art Building Project

More in this section

One Huntington

A Legacy Project

Expanding Engagement

Function Meets Vision

Century of Growth, Enduring Impact

Related Content

Opening Hours

Admission Info and Tickets

Engagement Across Disciplines: The Library/Art Building Project

More in this section

One Huntington

A Legacy Project

Expanding Engagement

Function Meets Vision

Century of Growth, Enduring Impact

Related Content

A Once-In-A-Century Project: The Library/Art Building

Opening Hours

Admission Info and Tickets