Lanterman House | Historic Museum in La Cañada Flintridge

Lanterman House – A Historic Arts & Crafts Gem in La Cañada Flintridge

Lanterman House, built in 1915, is a beautifully preserved bungalow-style historic house museum located at 4420 Encinas Drive in La Cañada Flintridge, California. A fine example of Arts and Crafts architecture, it offers visitors a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and local heritage.

Historical Significance & Architecture

• Crafted for Comfort and Earthquake Resilience
  Commissioned by Dr. Roy Lanterman, the house was constructed using reinforced concrete—a nod to earthquake safety influenced by Dr. Lanterman’s experience treating victims of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

• Design & Style
  Designed by architect Arthur Haley, this Mexican Colonial–style U-shaped hacienda features a central fountain courtyard, shaded pergolas, and 32 pairs of French doors that bathe the interior in natural light and seamlessly connect the living spaces.

• Period Furnishings Preserved
  Lanterman House retains much of its original furniture and finishes, including a grand ballroom on the second floor and Dr. Lanterman’s basement consulting rooms—making it a rare time capsule of early 20th-century domestic life.

• Living Legacy of the Lanterman Family
  Home to three generations—from Roy and Emily Lanterman through their son Lloyd—and continuously family-occupied until its donation to the city in 1987.
  The house gained recognition in the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Visitor Experience & Tours

• Guided Tours Only
  Explore the fully restored home on guided tours led by trained docents. Tours last about 75 minutes, begin at the converted garage Visitor Center, and are reservation-only. Self-guided tours aren't available.

• Open for Touring
  Scheduled tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The museum is typically closed in August and during major holidays.

• Admission Rates

  • Adults: $5

  • Seniors (60+)/Students: $3

  • Children under 12: Free with adult admission

  • Members and active-duty military (via Blue Star Museums): Free

• Historical Archives Access
  The Lanterman House Archives & History Center, located onsite, houses extensive local materials—from family documents and oral histories to school and newspaper archives. It’s accessible by appointment only.