This Land Is ...
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, The Huntington has launched THIS LAND IS …, a sweeping multiyear initiative that invites visitors to reflect on the American story through the lens of land. Anchored by the tagline “Reflections for America at 250,” the initiative draws on The Huntington’s library, art, and botanical collections to spotlight relationships between land, United States history, and American identities.
Exhibitions | Events | Stories
The initiative’s title references the iconic 1940s folk song “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie. The ellipsis in THIS LAND IS … invites reflection on land as both a geographical and metaphorical space of promise, struggle, and belonging.
Launched in fall 2025 and continuing through 2027, THIS LAND IS … unfolds across gallery reinterpretations, a major exhibition and companion publication, a renovated garden space, and public and educational programs.
“At a time when the public places trust in cultural institutions to help navigate complex issues, we are committed to honoring that responsibility as we reflect on the nation’s founding,” said Karen R. Lawrence, president of The Huntington. “THIS LAND IS … draws on the breadth of our collections to explore the centrality of land as both common and contested ground. The ellipsis in the title is intentional—it reminds us that the story is unfinished, and that we each have a role in shaping what comes next.”
Exhibitions and Installations
"This Land Is ..." Exhibition
Sun., June 14, 2026–Mon., Jan. 11, 2027
In dialogue with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the exhibition brings together diverse perspectives on the relationship between nature and nation, and how the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are intertwined with place.
Borderlands
Sat., Nov. 20, 2021–Thu., Nov. 20, 2036
A portion of The Huntington’s American art collection is contextualized with contributions from contemporary artists in “Borderlands,” a new permanent collections installation that explores a more expansive view of American art history.
Reimagined American Art Galleries
Sun., Sept. 21, 2025–Thu., Nov. 20, 2036
Discover seven newly unveiled galleries of American art.
Upcoming Events
- March 8 | Second Sundays featuring the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art. Details to come.
- March 12 | Garden Symposium: “Perspectives on Gardens in the American Context.” Details to come.
Event dates or times are subject to change.
Continuing the Story: The Art of Mustafa Ali Clayton
Why It Matters: Ava DuVernay in Conversation with Karen R. Lawrence
Sponsors
The Huntington’s THIS LAND IS … initiative is made possible through major support from The Fletcher Jones Foundation and Stewart R. Smith, Robin A. Ferracone, Logan Smith, and Tracy Beetler through The H. Russell Smith Foundation. Generous support for this initiative is also provided by LeeAnn and Ronald Havner through the JCS Foundation.
