The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens has put together a 21+ Halloween-themed event with aerial acrobatics, opera, Edgar Allan Poe, collections from the library’s vaults, a pub quiz, dancing, libation lounges and more.
A rare chance to enjoy The Huntington after dark, Strange Science: Into the Dark will be held on two days only from 6 to 9:30 p.m.: Friday, Oct. 21, for members at the Premier levels and Saturday, Oct. 22, for the public. Tickets are limited!
Schedule of events:
7 and 8:15 p.m. (Friday, Oct. 21 only)
Miracle Elixir or Perplexing Poison? Radiation and the Boundaries between Magic and Science
In this talk, Joshua McGuffie will share radiation’s earliest stories. Almost immediately following the 1895 discovery of x-rays and a year later that uranium produced inexplicable radiations, a craze grew up among Americans and Europeans that it was a miracle cure for a host of maladies. However, studies by biologists and medical doctors soon showed that the potential potion was more often a poison. Radiation inspired dreams but wrought betrayals, touching the edges of science and science fiction.
Munger Plaza
7 and 8:15 p.m. (Saturday, Oct. 22 only)
“‘Bubble, Bubble, Toil, and Trouble’: Potions, Poisons, and Elixirs in the Renaissance”
Deborah Harkness, historian of science and medicine, and New York Times bestselling author, discusses Renaissance era potions, their preparation and purposes.
Munger Plaza
7:15 and 8:30 p.m.
Potions, Poisons, and Aires
LA Opera Connects performs highlights from selected operas, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Elixir of Love, and Faust, narrated by Macbeth’s Witches.
Rothenberg Hall
6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Edgar Allan Poe & Masters of the Macabre Theatre
The Guild of St. George brings to life spine-tingling tales and poems by the great Edgar Allan Poe and his contemporaries.
Haaga Hall
6–9:30 p.m.
Poisons and Potions: Collections from the Library Vaults
See some dangerous objects, books, and ephemera from The Huntington’s collections.
Library East Lobby
6:45 and 8 p.m.
The Poisonous Pub Quiz
Join Library curators for a bubbly pub quiz on the toxic, noxious, and narcotic represented in The Huntington’s collections, ranging from Belladonna to Sleeping Beauty. Participate as an individual or a group (up to 8) and compete for a plethora of prizes. Pick up a pilsner at the Poisonous Pub prior to each performance.
Celebration Lawn
7, 8, and 9 p.m.
CirqueSanity’s Double Double Toil & Trouble
The witching hour is approaching, and a witch and a warlock are on a quest to perfect the potion they need to fly their broomsticks between worlds. Will they pierce the veil in time? Catch this variety cirque show of magic, story, and dazzling delights as it reaches great new heights with aerial acrobatics and more!
North Vista
6-9:30 p.m.
Wytch Wood Potion Purveyors
(Friday, Oct. 21 only)
Get a love potion or other magical concoction made just for you from essential oils and botanicals. (For entertainment purposes only; not for consumption.)
6–9:30 p.m.
Nightshade Alley
Stroll down the hedgerow allée for a peek at some poisonous characters from history and literature.
Main entrance allée
6–9:30 p.m. (Friday, Oct. 21 only)
The Ghoulery
Memorialize the evening with a complimentary photo of your ghoulish self, snapped in a sinister setting, courtesy of Herman Au Photography.
Huntington Art Gallery Loggia
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Danse Macabre
Dance ‘til you’re delirious while a DJ of the FlashDance spins.
Huntington Art Gallery South Terrace
6–9:30 p.m.
The Eerie Emporium
The Huntington Store is open with must-have merchandise like apothecary cocktail recipe books.
The Huntington Store
6–9:30 p.m.
Libation Lounges
The Cauldron: Garden Court
The Wytch Wood: Library Lawn
The Wizard’s Sanctum: Huntington Art Gallery Circle
Please consume alcohol responsibly.
6–9:30 p.m.
Coffee and Dessert Stations
Wickedly tasty treats available for purchase.
Main entrance
Age 21+ event. Capacity is limited.
Advance tickets required.
FRIDAY, OCT. 21, 2022 I6–9:30 p.m. (open to Huntington members at the Premier levels only)
SATURDAY, OCT. 22, 2022 I6–9:30 p.m.
For tickets and more information, visit https://huntington.org/event/strange-science.