Research and Learning

For Researchers

The Huntington is a collections-based research and educational institution serving scholars and the general public. Each year, The Huntington:

Provides 1,700 scholars with access to a world-class collection of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, paintings, prints, sculpture, and decorative arts
Awards $2.1 million in fellowships to scholars for advanced humanities research
Educates thousands of schoolchildren and their teachers in art, history, literature, and botanical science through special tours, programs, and professional development
Supports partnerships and institutes furthering research in the humanities
Organizes special exhibitions and programming to enhance the visitor experience, interpret the collections, and facilitate life-long learning for more than 800,000 visitors annually

Only a small portion of the collections are on view to the public, but the collections are vast and represent three main collection areas; library collections, art collections, and botanical collections.

Research and Scholars

The Huntington's Library is an independent research center for the humanities that welcomes advanced researchers from all over the world. Researchers from over 30 countries visit every year to study the Library's collection of rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and other textual and graphic materials important for the study of British and American history and literature, the history of science and technology, and the history of the book. Researchers studying the art collections will find notable British and American paintings; innumerable fine prints and photographs; and an art reference library. The Botanical Gardens reference library includes a broad collection of reference works in botany, horticulture, and gardening, as well as living collections. We welcome qualified researchers (known as readers at The Huntington) and scholars on fellowship, and provide them access to our reading room and collections. Access to the reading room and our materials can only be granted to registered readers. More on Using the Library