The Huntington in San Marino will undergo a nearly $127 million renovation of its historic library building.
The upgrades will add 8,000 square feet of space to the institution’s conservation studio, exhibition spaces and an additional science-focused gallery. The work will create a linked library and art building, titled LAB in the Huntington’s shorthand, of 83,000 square feet.
The initiative is in keeping with the “One Huntington” strategic plan outlined by Huntington President Karen Lawrence.
“This is the most ambitious building project in the Huntington’s history,” Lawrence said in a statement. “It reflects our commitment to stewardship, scholarship and public engagement, and to creating spaces that will serve our collections and our communities for the next century.”
Work is expected to begin in 2026.
Expanding offerings
Within the library, the LAB will replace the stacks of books that has historically filled the hall with a linear storage system containing all of the Huntington’s books, manuscripts and works on paper. It will also add a new conservation studio for paintings and other objects.
Although the library exhibition hall will be closed during work, certain library exhibits will be on display in the art museum. The research portion of the library will remain opened.
The Huntington has raised more than $100 million toward its goal of $126.6 million for the project.
The institution is also working on a 33-unit residential development, named Scholars Grove, on its grounds to accommodate its regular rotation of visiting humanities fellows.
