Meiye Ma 馬梅椰 on Pipa 琵琶. (Photo – The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens)
While every day’s admission to The Huntington includes access to the beautifully sculpted Chinese Garden, Wednesdays offer special experiences designed to deepen its cultural resonance.
By Melanie Hooks
Weekly Music in the Garden
Each Wednesday features a different solo musician performing unamplified melodies on classical Chinese instruments such as the dizi 笛子, pipa 琵琶, and erhu 二胡. Let the music transport you to another time and place from 1:00–3:00 pm, now through the end of June (per The Huntington’s online schedule).
Chinese Medicinal Garden Talks
On the second Wednesday of every month, drop‑in speakers help guests identify key plants used in Chinese medicine. Visit the Chinese Medicinal Garden between 10:00 am–3:00 pm to explore the three main beds, each featuring plants referenced in Shennong’s Classic of Medicine, the oldest known text on Chinese pharmaceuticals. These sessions continue through the end of 2026.
Qì Gōng in the Garden
On Wednesdays, May 8, April 13, and June 10, from 11:00–11:45 am, Kathy Yep, professor of Asian American Studies at Pitzer College, leads visitors through a drop‑in Qì Gōng session. Experience this transformative practice of gentle movement, mindful breathing, focused awareness, and aligned posture, all designed to harmonize mind, body, and spirit.
All experiences are included with the cost of General Admission ($34 Adult / $28 Senior & Student / $15 Youth / $5 SNAP). Children 3 and under enter free. The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108, and is open 10:00 am–5:00 pm daily except Tuesdays. Tickets are available online and onsite.
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