The Gamble House

Historical landmark · Downtown

The Gamble House

Historical landmark · Downtown

5

4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103

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The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null
The Gamble House by null

Highlights

The Gamble House in Pasadena is a stunning 1908 Craftsman masterpiece by Greene & Greene, blending exquisite woodwork and Japanese design.  

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4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103 Get directions

gamblehouse.org

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4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91103 Get directions

+1 626 793 3334
gamblehouse.org
thegamblehouse
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@FriendsofGH

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Gamble House

"The Gamble House is a National Historic landmark. It is a house built in the early 1900s, which exemplifies the American Arts and Crafts style of architecture. It is beautiful inside and out. Tours are offered so you can learn about the stunning details throughout the property. The best thing to do is Brown Bag Tuesdays. You can bring a picnic lunch and eat on the terrace. There is also a little bookstore for some souvenirs." - OSSO

https://onthegrid.city/los-angeles/pasadena/gamble-house
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@afar

"Greene & Greene's Gamble House Gamble House is an architectural gem. The glass-work of the front door, chandeliers, and dining room windows is mesmerizing, and the carved frieze in the Burmese teak living room is a decorative treasure. Each room showcases a different kind of wood, and the beautiful furniture unifies the various elements of the architecture, design, and decor. I was also delighted by the concept of "sleeping porches." If you have the chance, don't miss this house tour."

Wood grain pattern
L.A. Day Trip: Pasadena
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@goop

"An architectural survey of Los Angeles isn't complete without seeing the work of brothers Charles and Henry Greene who pioneered the Arts & Crafts movement in California. The Gamble House in Pasadena is a particularly outstanding specimen of their endemic architectural style, as Greene & Greene custom-designed every single joint and beam in this 1908 bungalow, from the remarkably crafted staircase to the stained glass doors in the entryway, to the furniture and even the textiles—all full of references to the local natural surroundings. There's a standard hour-long tour, though architecture buffs and carpentry aficionados will appreciate the longer, more intensive options, one of which is led by a woodworker."

The Los Angeles Art & Architecture Guide
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@goop

"An architectural survey of Los Angeles isn't complete without seeing the work of brothers Charles and Henry Greene who pioneered the Arts & Crafts movement in California. The Gamble House in Pasadena is a particularly outstanding specimen of their endemic architectural style, as Greene & Greene custom-designed every single joint and beam in this 1908 bungalow, from the remarkably crafted staircase to the stained glass doors in the entryway, to the furniture and even the textiles—all full of references to the local natural surroundings. There's a standard hour-long tour, though architecture buffs and carpentry aficionados will appreciate the longer, more intensive options, one of which is led by a woodworker."

Wood grain pattern
The Los Angeles East Side Guide
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@onthegrid

"Gamble House, Pasadena. The Gamble House is a National Historic landmark. It is a house built in the early 1900s, which exemplifies the American Arts and Crafts style of architecture. It is beautiful inside and out. Tours are offered so you can learn about the stunning details throughout the property. The best thing to do is Brown Bag Tuesdays. You can bring a picnic lunch and eat on the terrace. There is also a little bookstore for some souvenirs."

Los Angeles
View Postcard for The Gamble House

Iris Chen

Google
Such a beautiful house as a museum, been there 20 years ago. It's nice to revisit after these years. The house is well kept over the years. I joined as a member since I am a local, will revisit regularly. Remember to RSVP for private tours.

Stephanie A. Miller

Google
Very, very impressive home, very well preserved. Tour guide was excellent, very well trained and passionate about this Art & Crafts gem. It is rather dark in certain areas, but the guide uses a flash light. The gardens are really special as well. The garage has special design elements as well, and currently used as offices, public rest rooms & staff offices. If you love fine wood working, it’s a must-see! Buy tickets ahead of time.

Stephanie (The Scentarian)

Google
An absolute gem in Pasadena! The Gamble House isn’t just an architectural masterpiece it’s also Doc Brown’s house from Back to the Future. Come for the movie nostalgia, and stay for the stunning Craftsman architecture and gorgeous, peaceful grounds. Every detail of the home is a tribute to fine craftsmanship and design. Whether you’re a film buff or a fan of historic architecture, this place is a must-visit!

Jeff Moehr

Google
The Gamble house is beautiful! I was super bummed that it was not open on the day we were there. You care free to roam the property which we did. If you’re ever in Pasadena I highly recommend you make this part of your trip!

Rebecca Dalley

Google
A bucket list of mine to finally get to see. The guides are very knowledgeable and the history of the house and inhabitants’s is fascinating. I like how they stagger the tours so you don’t feel rushed. Limited parking out front.

Shawn Sheng

Google
If you are a fan of architecture, history, or just aesthetic settings, a tour of this place is highly recommended. The docents are very knowledgeable and make the tour very interesting. The attention to detail that went into the design of this house is incredible. One of the coolest buildings around, and the exterior is just gorgeous.

劉函數

Google
such a cool place many Japanese style designs the Gamble refers to P&”G” tho not a casino…

Carol Fox

Google
An amazing historical home. Our guide was knowledgeable about the home, architecture and family. Great must do experience. No really something children would enjoy as it is a tour of a home. Also, leave bags and purses in car per their request. This should have been told to us when tickets we picked up so we already had them in car verses waiting until very start of tour but really wasnt a big problem

Hannah W.

Yelp
I love this house. I love the history; It is beautiful and it is so wonderful to see the house restored and so many people invested in it's preservation. I had amazing docents guide me on my first visit in September 2024. However, the docents that were hosting the Gamble house on Friday, May 9th were rude and unprofessional. They did not seem interested in the house, or interested that guests were visiting the home. The docent at the door seemed like she didn't know what to say, and kept talking about not touching anything and walking on the rugs (I know it is important but she didn't offer other entry info). One docent told me to watch my head (I am tall) because of the sconces (which I was not near to) and that "They're are shorter people in the world than you" in a demeaning tone to me. It was confusing. I had said to another docent "I love the stained glass". And they responded "It isn't stained glass" and just stared at me...did not offer any information until I said "What is it?" These experiences really made the house not enjoyable to view. I hope Gamble house takes volunteers who are compassionate towards guests and are excited to talk about the house and it's history!
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Jason R.

Yelp
We were surprised with how much we liked the tour. It is an amazing house with an interesting story and Samuel, our tour guide, did an exceptional job! Price for a tour is $15 which seemed a tad bit high. Tour lasts about an hour. The attention to detail was astounding.
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Arden P.

Yelp
Overall this was a really fun experience! I recommend buying a ticket for the guided tour in advance as it makes it easier overall. Our tour guide was kind and very knowledgeable, they'll take you to different rooms/parts of the house and talk about the history, architecture, and materials used. It's almost completely a no-touch zone, you can touch the railings at one part though. They ask that you avoid stepping directly on the edges of the rugs as it helps preserve them. You'll end in the gift shop-which used to be the garage of sorts-super beautiful
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Nikki V.

Yelp
Arrived there on a Sunday 9 min late. This bigger older lady was so rude to us, basically stating that it was impossible for us to reschedule until 3 hours later. Didn't even offer a refund. Luckily the younger lady helped us and offered a refund. Terrible experience considering that we drove an hour just to get there. So disrespectful.
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Cydney M.

Yelp
GAMBLE HOUSE IS AN ARTS AND CRAFT MASTERPIECE ============================================ My good friend and I booked tickets for a one-hour docent led tour on Thursday, April 27, 2023. It was very easy to get tickets online for the 11:30 a.m. tour. They recommend that you arrive ten minutes early to check-in at the bookstore. I would also recommend that maybe you try to get there twenty minutes before to find parking. We parked in the church parking to the south and I was a bit nervous I might get a ticket. Thankfully I did not. THE ONE-HOUR DOCENT LED TOUR ============================= Our docent was great and gave us so many details about Greene and Greene, the architects, David and Mary Gamble, the original owners, and the next two generations of Gambles who owned the house before it was donated to the City of Pasadena. The cost of a one-hour docent led tour is $15.00. MISC. INFO: 1. Check in at the Bookstore which is north of the house. If you need to use a restroom they have one there. There are no restrooms at the Gamble House. 2. Go up the stairs in front of the house and turn right to walk over to the covered patio. That is where you will meet your docent. 3. Don't bring a big handbag. The docents will ask you to leave it in a room in the house. I would not feel comfortable with that with all the tour groups walking around. 4. Don't touch or lean on anything. Most of the furniture and cabinets are original. One lady on our tour leaned up against some cabinets in the kitchen and the docent spoke to her. 5. There are lots of nice things in the gift shop. I bought a little book called "Self-Guided Neighborhood Walking Tour" for $2.00. I can't wait to go back with friends to do our own walking tours around the Gamble House, the Huntington Library and Bungalow Heaven.

Lorena W.

Yelp
This place was walking back in time, the tour guide was so informative, need to go back again
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Thuy Dan T.

Yelp
What a neat spot! Finally discovering attractions in my local neighborhood and I stumbled on the Gamble House! It's known for their craftsman architecture and is actually shown in a decent number of movies (after doing some research). The house is open for tours on Tuesdays, and Thursdays through Sundays with tickets around $15. Advanced reservation is recommended! The house itself has a comforting yet grand vibe. It's described as a 'bungalow vibe' and I can definitely see it! The backyard garden is also very serene. Great little pocket of architecture history in Pasadena worth checking out. If not on the tour, at least in a stroll to admire!
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Jack W.

Yelp
Great tour, nice staff and docents, cool stuff in the bookstore for architecture enthusiasts and Back to the Future fans
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Alex D.

Yelp
This house is huge and beautiful! Open for tours on certain days, look ahead of time and buy tickets. There is also a bookstore/gift shop next door to the house that you can buy souvenirs at! The Gamble House is truly beautiful inside and out. So elegant. Highly recommend visiting! Also I recommend reading the website's FAQ section, as there are many rules such as no flashes while taking photos, notes on accessibility, and more.
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Hosh S.

Yelp
The Gamble House, aka, Doc. Emmit Brown's crib is located in Pasadena and is an architectural masterpiece that take you on a journey back through time. I went in thinking I will learn some things about back to the future trivia, etc, but I was bitterlysweetly (I know that's not a word lol) suprised. From the moment we set foot on its meticulously maintained grounds, we was transported to a bygone era, where attention to detail and craftsmanship shocased in everything we came across. We got tickets for "Behind The Velvet Rope" tour. The visit includes a guided tour led by knowledgeable docents who brought the history of the Gamble House to life with their years of experience, passion towards preservation of art and architecture and expertise acquired from over a decade. They regaled us with captivating stories about the Gamble family and pointed out the architectural features that make this house truly unique and one-of-a-kind. For the back to the future fans, I'm afraid there isn't much here, other than seeing the Doc's house and garage from the outside. A little tip; if you are looking to see the inside of the house that was shown in the movie, check out Robert R. Blacker House which is less than 5 miles away. One of the little secrets the dosants shared with me while they rolled their eyes! Lol JK. They were super sweet! That said, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the Gamble House in Pasadena. It is an opportunity to witness architectural brilliance, get a glimpse into history and get transported to an era of unparalleled beauty, creativity and masterpiece. Buying tickets in advance are recommended but not always necessary unless you are looking to do a special tour like behind the velvet rope. Have fun!
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Ruksana H.

Yelp
A beautiful tribute to architecture and design that's well maintained and a lovely insight into life and times of the past. Do a guided tour here and stop by the gift shop!
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Meagan F.

Yelp
I love this home so much, I took a back to back tour 2 days in a row. The craftsmanship of this home cannot be seen in modern home builds. The types of wood used can no longer be found. THIS home is truly a piece of art!!! LOVE! If you appreciate architecture, interior design and furniture, you'd enjoy the tours as much as I did! I plan to go back again and again! Enjoy! ~~~
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Joyce T.

Yelp
What's not to love about exploring an architectures gem and being able to ask a docent all kinds of questions. Of course it's known for its lines but I wanted to comment on the Flora and fauna. Loved the clover grass, fish pond, flowers and the back of the back garden area. Loved the copper water roof drainage pipes. Enjoyed the twisting vines.
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Monica R.

Yelp
The house is built in 1908, almost all wood! Really incredible the work inside. The details of flooring, furniture, system of ventilation in the house are meticulously. Also, if you are fan of The Back to the Future, it is a set, house of Doc Brown. The ticket is $15. Please, go with no hills shoes. My husband and I loved this tour.
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Theresa Renee W.

Yelp
It was an interesting find as I was just driving around. Met a few interesting people whom educated me about the gamble house. The lawn was not or had not been kept up since covid19 hit and it had been closed. I was educated about the history of the filming here 9f Back to the future. A few people had different versions of what has truly been filmed but it is a beautiful home.
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James W.

Yelp
One of the premier Green & Green Architect examples for Craftsman Style. Commissioned by the Wrigley family, the Gamble House uses trees once only available from Tahiti. Better known in modern times as Doc. Brown's House from "Back to the Future." This fine piece of architecture is now part of USC's Dept of Architecture.
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Joyce G.

Yelp
FINALLY!!! I've waited a LONG time to see this house which is also a Historic Landmark, and FINALLY I got to see it for free during MOTA Day. Usual cost is $15 for a one hour docent led tour but today on MOTA Day we did a self guided tour. We decided to visit this museum first since we've already been to the PMH and Heritage Square plus usually the lines are SO LONG for the Gamble House. This house was built for the Gamble family of the Procter and Gamble Company ( Ivory soap). Beautiful Arts and Crafts home inside and out. We weren't allowed upstairs because it's occupied every year by two USC recipients of the Scholars-in -Residence Fellowship. How cool is that?!?! LUCKY!!! The rear terrace is so beautiful! Everything is so green. The fish pond adds such a nice touch. Afterwards, we visited the bookstore which is adjacent to the house so that I could buy my magnet.
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Nina R.

Yelp
The Gamble House is a Pasadena landmark and an important piece of local history. The house itself is large and extremely carefully preserved by USC Architecture. The woodwork is ornate and so well-crafted. The flow of the rooms are thoughtful and reflect the way the original owners used it. I love that some of the furniture is original, too! It provides us with a glimpse of life as the original Pasadena residents knew it. The grounds are sweeping and immaculately maintained. The tours are super, and the docents are extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend scheduling a tour and peppering them with all of your questions.

Linda Y.

Yelp
Arts & Crafts architecture at its best! Had been wanting to visit for years, finally came to be!! Was not disappointed! Docent was very knowledgeable, friendly, and kept to a great pace throughout the home. Was able to see the great detail of the house. Woodwork is AMAZING!!! Was surprised with the attic!! Much to see indoors and out! HIGHLY recommend!!
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Jo S.

Yelp
Gamble House is a great landmark of Historic Pasadena, nice place to visit if you want to dive into local history. I got the chance to visit it during MOTA since it's so close to Pasadena Museum of History, right around the corner. It's cool to have two wonderful places to visit so close to each other! The lines to tour the Gamble House were crazy, but they made up by offering nice cookies and lemonade in the back gardens. They used the exterior in "Back to the Future" as Doc Brown's house, so they brought out a Delorean for the day and had a book signing dedicated to the famous movie. So that was another plus! For the movie fans out there! The grounds are nice, well manicured, lush with cute ponds, flowers, water lilies, it's an adorable place. The gift store is very nice to browse, full of fun merchandise. So, if you want to visit a Craftsman Style house, designed by famous architects Greene&Greene, the Gamble House should be on your list (it did belong to the Procter&Gamble family). Check their site for hours, it's closed on Mondays and Wed. One hour tours are $15, bit high - regular admission. $12,50 for students and seniors. They also do more in depth tours, check for pricing and reservations ahead of time. Gamble House is a charming, unique historic house. Visiting it, takes you to another time period, another world. Another nice spot that Pasadena has to offer.
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Shahr R.

Yelp
I've been to to Gamble house before and I was amazed. This time our docent was so rude. I just wanted to take a picture the docent pretty much yelled at me and told me to stick to my group.
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Don S.

Yelp
Nice piece of late 19th to early 20th century architectural achievement. Our docent could have been better but that the risk you take with volunteers. I was a little disappointed that they downplayed Back to the Futures history with the house, for most people that is why they check the place out.
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A S.

Yelp
house was beautiful but the one star is for the docent who gave us our tour. the first question he asked us was if we spoke english. the group of us were talking amongst ourselves while waiting for the tour to start and it was obvious we spoke english but i guess since we were all Asian American he assumed otherwise. he continued to be short and slightly condescending when we would ask questions about the house including when we asked if we could bring in a wheelchair inside the house for my mother in law to access the first floor. he gave a short "no" and walked on. keep in mind that the lady at the check in said we could.
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Delilah S.

Yelp
Back to the Future filmed here! The Gamble House can be easily recognized as Doc Brown's residence. I had no idea it was a museum. I visited Gamble House during MOTA which is Pasadena's version of free museum day. The line to get a group tour of Gamble House went down a few blocks because BTTF fans are dedicated. Even though it took a little while, we waited in line, talked with others in line (whom were the most friendly & genuine people ever!), and complimentary refreshments were offered. Cookies & Lemonade, outdoor games, and BTTF merch were all available to guests. Tour was interesting, I'm glad I took it for free because I wouldn't necessarily pay for it since it isn't of my liking. The people guiding us and working the event were kind, helpful, and patient. If you're a huge BTTF, it is worth the drive for photos, but a tour? Not worth much. They only talk about the movie for a few minutes. Otherwise, check out the other museums in the area as well.
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Phillip Z.

Yelp
Are you a big fan the 1985 flick Back to the Future? Well, you won't want to miss the Gamble House, which was the home of eccentric scientist Doc Brown in the classic movie. The Gamble House, located in a residential stretch of Pasadena, was designed in 1908 by Pasadena architects, Greene & Greene as the winter residence for David and Mary Gamble (of the Proctor & Gamble conglomerate bringing you everything from Old Spice to Oral B). We joined one of their 1-hour tours ($15 per person), which gives a basic overview on how the family ended up in Pasadena and built what's considered the finest example of early 20th-century craftsman architecture. After the tour, I highly recommend exploring the nearby neighborhood and drive towards the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Millard House. You might think you accidentally stumbled upon some ancient Mayan ruin. Just note, this is a private residence, so no trespassing allowed (even if you're really nice!).
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Christina C.

Yelp
This is Doc's house from Back to the Future! But don't mention it during the tour because the guide wants to surprise you at the end. I couldn't contain my excitement and ruined it. The tour of the house is very well organized and thought out. The craftsmanship and detail that went into designing and building this house is amazing. Don't wear heels though because the floors are precious, too. I wore low wedge espadrilles and they let me in. Make sure to take time to walk around the garden and peruse the gift shop (where you pick up the tickets). I highly recommend touring the Gamble House if you're into architecture, design, or history.
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Sara S.

Yelp
It's definitely a nice piece of art and a good example of craftsman architecture! the amount of craft detailing in both interior and exterior is amazing! I recommend visiting if you are interested in ART! brace yourself for an interesting experience where you can see a mixture of materials and textures in a historical building from the early 90's! There is a nice greenery area next to the house , and a church. Due to covid , you should reserve online using this website https://buy.acmeticketing.com/orders/127/calendar
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Michael T.

Yelp
I finally made it to The Gamble House! As a long tine Back to the Future fan (this is Doc Brown's House) I don't know what took me so long! This is also part of the Passport2History program. The inside of the Gamble House can only be accessed via a docent led tour. Book early or online! We got there right before they opened at 11:30 and the first TWO tours were sold out! So I had to hang around the grounds for an hour with my 4 year old. Luckily, the grounds are beautiful so we split our tine between the bookstore, the garden area (which has a water fountain, my sons favorite thing), the Lilly pad pond (complete with waterfall and fish), and other areas in the yard. Our guide, Roger was fantastic. He did his best to keep my son engaged. Full disclosure, this isn't one of the more exciting Passport2History tours with small children. But the tour itself is very cool. The house is AMAZING! I do think they price themselves a bit out of five stars. I'd say this would be a 5 Star attraction for a $5-8 tour. It used to be 12.50 for years which also would have been doable (especially after the Passport2History's 10% off). But they've raised their prices to $15, which is a bit much for what this is compared to other similar museum values. They should consider going back to what it was. That said, it still gets a solid 4 star rating which I totally recommend people check it out! Any fans of wood will flip inside!!!
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Wendy H.

Yelp
I usually make it a goal to visit a historic house while on vacation. Gamble House has been a personal goal for me for years. I reserved a spot on their one hour tour last week. Nancy was our tour guide and she was great. She knew a lot about the house and since she noticed I liked taking pictures, she'd ask me if I needed a flashlight shone on a particular spot etc. For $15 an hour tour, I consider this pretty reasonable. You want to hear gouging try Filoli for $25 and self guided. Gamble House ran their tours like Filoli used to prior to their horrendous commercialization, for profit mantra. It was personable and ran by volunteers. This is the only intact Greene and Greene house with its original decorations. The workmanship is top notch. Stop by the bookstore after the tour to buy some tchotchkes. Unlike Filoli, GH does offer merchandise exclusive to their house and theme. Filoli got rid of their branded merchandise and offered made in China crap that had nothing to do with the house or owners. If you are in SoCal, do drop by and take a tour.
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Albert L.

Yelp
Like most people who probably visit here, my interest in visiting the Gamble House started with the Back to the Future movies. Known cinematically as Doc Brown's mansion, the Gamble House is a shining example of the Arts and Crafts movement and a direct influence on structures like the Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. Although I initially balked at the $15 /ticket price tag, I still found the experience to be well valued although the verdict is still out if I'll ever come back here again because of that price. Because no one showed up at our tour group start time, we got almost a private tour from our guide, who definitely made sure our hour spent there was not absent of details and thoroughly explained historical tidbits. Although pictures are not allowed inside, the design nods to Japanese art, along with the handmade lamps that emanated brilliant warm lighting and carefully carved wooden interiors are impressive enough to be etched in your memory. The original owner of the house, David Gamble of Proctor and Gamble fame, hired the Greene Brothers, and they created a home that was not cavernous, but thoughtfully created for the close family that was to first live there. Besides our tour guide, we found the staff managing the grounds to be friendly. The garage building (that Doc Brown plotted his time travel related schemes with Marty in) is now a gift shop and ticket purchase center. You can purchase a custom made guide map here for other interesting homes of noteworthy architectural fame to be found in the neighborhood. The garage also has a small but beautiful garden in the back that is worthy of visiting - it would be worth noting the same goes for the house itself. Although more than 100 years old, the Gamble house still looks like a home that was built for the future - its thoughtfully placed windows, well designed corridors, and smooth wood stylings are all characteristics of a home that makes airflow and lighting efficient, even when compared to homes of today. I highly recommend anyone who has an inkling of interest in Californian history and architecture to come here.
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Tricia G.

Yelp
I grew up just down the street from the Gamble House and after 19 years of living on the Arroyo, I still had never taken a tour! This past weekend, we decided to take a tour as my father in law loves architecture. It was one of the best experiences ever! I love Pasadena so it was great to learn about some of the history. The house itself is so well preserved and well taken care of. Our docent, Cathy, was amazing! She knew the answers to all of our questions and knew a lot of cool facts about the Gamble family. I wish I had known they allow professional photography as I would have had my engagement photos taken there. It would've been right up my alley. I am proud to be from a city with so much history and I would love to come back and take some of the other tours! Parking: free street parking along Westmoreland Place
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Terri N.

Yelp
Another site off my bucket list! I was delighted to learn that Doc Brown's house from Back to the Future was easily accessible in Pasadena, and tours were offered! I bought my ticket online a few days prior, which is generally recommended on their website to ensure you get a time that works for you without sellout. The tours are in very controlled groups of 10, and even on a rainy day my tour sold out so it's very likely. Plan ahead! Note that this is not a movie themed tour, it's 100% an architectural tour, with history of the Japanese style architecture, and the Gamble family who commissioned the house and a few residents who followed. It's a bit of a letdown that nothing about Back to the Future is mentioned on the tour, as it is now most certainly part of the house's history, so it's an opportunity missed. But quiet fans can absorb the place, while also learning about the beautiful house's structural style. There is also a small section of the gift shop (located in the nearby converted garage) dedicated to film goodies. The house is very easy to find, with plenty of parking a reasonable walking distance away. The 1 hour tour for $15 is well worth it if you are interested in architecture, and a fellow movie geek. Note that you are not given free reign of the house, and in most of the house photos are not permitted, but you are free to explore the grounds and gardens. Whether movie geekdom or architectural history are your motivations for visiting, you'll walk away happy! A great stop off the beaten path in SoCal.
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Ann G.

Yelp
Stunning! I've lived here my entire life and can't believe I've never seen this. Yeah, I've passed by it, but have never explored the depths. What a magnificent piece of history! Please, please, please take the tour and immerse yourself in it, if you get the chance. You won't be disappointed.
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Howard F.

Yelp
A gorgeous bit of architecture, on beautiful (relatively contained) grounds, which happens to be the house of Doc Brown in the Back to the Future films (something which clearly embarrassed the folks who run the store, who downplay it as much as possible). We did not take the interior tour of Gamble House, since it had been booked solid (reserve in advance!)
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Yonnie C.

Yelp
Last month we came here and had a fun time on the tour. We picked up tickets at the bookstore next to the Gamble House, got the 11:15 am start time and found front entrance parking too! :) It was a great day to hang out and explore this historic house with the other tourists too. Our guide seemed knowledgable and we were also in luck that day because they said we were allowed to take photos of the interior (since there was an art exhibit happening at the same time). Usually - you are not allowed to take photos of the interior! :) Be sure to check out the balcony area + backyard gardens. So quiet and peaceful.
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Susan Z.

Yelp
Built in 1907-8 for David and Mary Gamble this house/museum stands alone in its beauty and completeness. The house belonged to the family until it was turned over to the city of Pasadena. Docent led tours are one hour and given with love for this house. Book online for an unforgettable experience.
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Colby S.

Yelp
I went on an hour-long tour with a friend and it was a wonderful experience! The tour didn't mention this but you might be familiar with this place as the home of Doc Brown from Back to the Future! The Craftsman architecture from Greene & Greene feels both grand and cozy at the same time and it feels very open and expansive compared to most houses at the time (built in 1908). The neighborhood it resides in is also lovely as it features lots of trees and other homes from Greene & Greene as well as Frank Lloyd Wright! I noticed there are a lot of Japanese influences in this home, particularly in the beautiful nature decorations and wooden beams. The construction is very organic and refined, being both traditional as a reaction to the mechanical processes of the Industrial Revolution and in a way forward-looking because of its consideration of efficient air-flow and lighting. The glass work is also incredibly unique and is a great representation of the Arts and Crafts movement popular back then. There is such great attention to detail throughout, from the sloped driveway which prevents rain puddles, the extensive use of windows to increase air-flow, and the variety of different woods being used like oak, maple, and mahogany. There is a bit of congestion in the house when having to dodge some of the other tour groups but other than that the tour is very well run and the docent gave us some fascinating information about this lovely home. The Gamble House is a work of art and is a true landmark of Pasadena and Southern California in general that everyone ought to make a reservation and see for themselves!
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Grahame G.

Yelp
I'd never heard of Greene & Greene before we discovered this house in a tour book. Being big fans of Frank Lloyd Wright and early 20th-C architecture, this was a must. What a beautiful house this is. The attention to detail inside is incredible. There's a lot of Japanese-inspired carpentry going on, particularly noticeable in the outside porch and in the interior metal clamps on the joists with their clever opposing wedge fixings - all designed to allow the beams to flex in earthquakes. And always, the tiny imperfection in repeated details, as nothing can ever be completely perfect. We preceded the visit with a look at the nearby Huntington Library, which has a room dedicated to arts & crafts interiors of the period - definitely worth che!cking out if you like Greene & Greene stuff. A wonderful experiencece, definitely worth the trip if you're in the LA area. And the house and garage featured in Back to the Future, as Doc Brown's place!
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Irina S.

Yelp
We enjoyed visiting the Gamble house and learning about its history. The house represents a unique Arts and Crafts style with some Japanese architectural elements. We feel it is a great addition to our list of historic homes we visited, including the Falling Water House by Wright. Most of the staff we communicated with by phone, in the gift store and in the house was very nice and helpful. Thanks to docent Jack for an enjoyable tour If you are in the area, go to their web site or call ahead to book a tour of the house.
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
This house is surreal!! Located in Pasadena in a very well maintained neighborhood with street parking. This home was Doc Browns house from Back to the Future!! They host special events here as well as scheduled tours around the house. The garage is now a gift shop that sell novelty items from the movie as well as items that you may see around the home. The ladies in the gift shop were friendly, knowledgeable about the history of the house and any questions pertaining to hosting an event, tours. Come check out the home and take as many photos as possible!!
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Margaux S.

Yelp
This is a perfect trip for someone who wants a quick museum tour! It only took us an hour or so to finish it! First off, pick up your tickets at the bookstore located at the right side of the house. You can easily spend good 10-15mins there just browsing at the items Afterwards, a docent will greet you (or your party) and provide you basic guidelines before entering the house such as no flash photography, and women's heels should not be too narrow as it might damage the flooring of the house. Our docent told us the history of the Gamble family and the reason why the house was built. She also talked about the architecture and concept of the house. Now I do not know a lot about architecture but it was good that our docent made sure it was easy to understand for non architect professionals/students like me! The highlight of the tour for me was the kitchen. I'm so fascinated of old school kitchen appliances!
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M A.

Yelp
Just as the tour started, this woman told me my bag was too big & I should leave it with her. Funny how no one at the bookstore said anything while purchasing the tickets. So I walked all the way back to the car & left it there. Why would a complete stranger ask me to trust her with my purse? Only to find out upon my return that the same woman was now having an issue with my shoes & she needed to check if they were appropriate footware. Whether they get a kick out of stressing visitors or they're just that unprofessional, it's not worth the drama. Plenty of photographs available online depicting all aspects of the house.
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Terry T.

Yelp
The Gamble House is listed on both the National Historic Register and the California Landmark Register. It is hard to believe that this house, considered as America's Arts and Crafts masterpiece, was built in just ten months. The furniture in house was also designed by Green and Green the same architects who designed the house. The combination of woods and the dim lighting make the interior so dark that the docents carry flashlights to point out some of the exquisite details in the house. I really like to go on home tours and this home is a beauty, the tour is well worth the time and the reasonable fees they charge. If you are a fan of the movie "Back to the Future" the exterior shots of the Docs' mansion is the Gamble house. The interiors were shot at another Green & Green home because there is no photography allowed inside the house. And they do mean no photography; our tour guide saw someone take out a cell phone and she sort of humiliated the guy and threatened to take the phone.
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Ce L.

Yelp
Truly a beautiful history home visit and explore around the LA area. The tour guides were very knowledgeable. I loved the asian influence that went into the design of the home. The best features are the carved wood and the stained glass which the tour guides pointed out in detail and it was just amazing walking into such a historic landmark.
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Jen K.

Yelp
I can now cross two bucket list items off my list. Thank you, Pasadena! The first was, of course, watching my team play at the 100th Rose Bowl last year. On our return visit to town this year, we could see the Rose Bowl from the outdoor porches of the glorious Gamble House during our tour. A nice full circle moment combining my love of sports, history and art. Aside from the house itself, I have to give kudos to the ease of taking a tour thanks to the online ticket ordering system and the docents and staff. No service charges for ticketing in advance and since we arrived a bit early, they were happy to move us up to an earlier tour. What surprised me most was how dark it is inside the house. Even during a 12:00p tour on a sunny day, our guide had to use a flashlight repeatedly to show off details in the building and furniture that would be otherwise remain unseen. So, keep that in mind when scheduling a visit to the house. Dusk is probably not the best idea. The tour starts on the main level and you finish on the third floor in what was originally designed as a billiard room, but Mr. Gamble didn't play pool, so it was an unused attic when the family lived here. Personally, it was my favorite room in the house with 360 bird's eye views and in the words of Carrie Bradshaw, "Oh, this is where they keep the light." The woodwork and craftsmanship is glorious and it is beautiful to see a home where the designers had such vision and carried it through the entire project. The docent did a marvelous job of explaining the design, the construction materials and also weaving in the history of the family and why the house was constructed and how it was used. I was amused to learn about the process of donation and how Occidental College turned it down (no architecture department), so USC and the City of Pasadena share the property. The house has human security in the form of two USC architecture students who live in the property. Reasonably priced ($15 for adults with discounts for seniors) and imho a great way to spend an hour plus. However, probably not the best choice for young children (although children 12 and under are FREE). The rules are no interior photography and no touching anything, which is pretty much contrary to the natural impulses of most children these days (mine included).
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Luke L.

Yelp
I do appreciate the fine furniture craftsmanship and detailed architecture designs, but I thought the one-hour guided tour wasn't very interactive and it felt like a plain & dull class lecture to me. The Gamble House was designed by the Greene brothers in 1908 and it was built as a vacation home for David and Mary Gamble (David Gamble's dad, James Gamble, was one of the co-founder of Procter & Gamble). The Gamble family donated the whole house to the USC School of Architecture in 1966 and that was the 1st year of the public tours. In 1978, this three-stories tall vacation house was selected as a National Historic Landmark. There are total of six different types of tours - the general One-Hour Guided Tour ($15 per adult), Upstairs Downstairs (limited time this summer, 1.5 hours, $20 per adult), Behind The Velvet Ropes (2.5 hours, $45 per person), Details & Joinery (about craftsmanship, 3 hours, $80 per person), Fire & Light (2 hours, $45 per person), and Arroyo Terrace (1.25 hours, $17 per person). Other than the One-Hour Guided Tour and Upstairs Downstairs, all other four tours must be purchased in advance. If you are here for the general One-Hour Guided Tour, then you can pick up or buy tickets at the bookstore (it is located right next to the Gamble House). No photography during any tours, no touching, no food and drinks, no high heels, and turn off anything that make noises (e.g. cell phones). During the tours, you'll walk through each level of the house and learn about its history, architectural designs (e.g. elements such as Japanese cranes), and other detailed information. The entire house doesn't have the best ventilation system (no A/C - after all, this house is over 100 years old), so you might feel a bit stuffy while inside the house (especially during the summer time). This is a must visit for people who are into historical architectures, but this is just not my cup of tea. P.S. - Bookstore was the original garage for the Gamble House.
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Mimi D.

Yelp
One of many really interesting historic homes in pasadena that was owned by the second generation of the Gamble family, as in Proctor & Gamble... Apparently it was their vaca home which is now about 100ish years old and, interestingly, has two fellowship award winners that live in a couple of the rooms upstairs! ....must be hard to get anything done when there are tours just outside ur bedroom door! Lol We stopped by during MOTA so the tour was free (I believe they said it is normally 10$) and everyone had lots of info to share about the property and the history of the ownership. Pretty interesting that there was a cabin-ish/summer camp feel throughout the property but inside there was a lot of custom decor inspired by Japanese influences.. Def unexpected. No pics inside so you'll have to go check it out for yourselves :P
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Teresa A.

Yelp
I made a trip to see the Gamble House. The house is huge. It's a great piece of work. It was hard to get photos of it since it was backlit by the afternoon sun.
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Richard S.

Yelp
A truly magnificent house built by the Gamble family of Procter & Gamble in the early 1900's. A remarkable architectural structure that was way ahead of its time. The furniture was also designed the architects. You must take the tour, otherwise you really miss out on the history.