In Lincoln Park, the Legion of Honor pairs a Beaux-Arts building modeled on Paris’s Palais de la Légion d’Honneur with views toward the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean. Inside, art spans about 4,000 years, from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman works to European paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Look for Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker in the Court of Honor and works by artists including Rembrandt, Monet and Degas. The museum is part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and admission also includes same-day entry to the de Young.
A memorial in Lincoln Park
The Legion of Honor was built to commemorate California soldiers who died in World War I. Alma and Adolph Spreckels gave the museum to San Francisco, and it opened in 1924. Its Beaux-Arts design was modeled on the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris.
Set above the Pacific in Lincoln Park, the building is part of the experience. Its columns and Court of Honor create a formal setting for the collection, while the surrounding grounds look toward the Golden Gate Bridge, the ocean and the Marin Headlands.
Art from the ancient world to Europe
The collection spans around 4,000 years and includes ancient art from Egypt, Greece, Rome and Assyria, as well as European paintings, sculpture, porcelain, tapestries and decorative arts. Upper-level galleries present European works from the 14th century onward; lower-level rooms include prints, drawings, porcelain and ancient objects.
Among the artists represented are Rembrandt, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne and van Gogh. The museum also holds a substantial collection of works on paper, including prints and drawings. Temporary exhibitions change, so check what is on view before planning your visit.
Rodin in the Court of Honor
Auguste Rodin’s sculpture is a major draw. The Thinker stands in the Court of Honor, and the museum displays many other works by the sculptor. The setting lets you see the sculpture against the building’s classical architecture before continuing into the galleries.
Plan a visit to both museums
The Legion of Honor and the de Young belong to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. A ticket to either museum includes same-day general admission to the other, so you can build both into one day if you have time. The Legion’s galleries are spacious, and the collection is large enough to reward a longer visit.
The museum has a café-restaurant for a break between galleries. The outdoor grounds are also open for enjoying the architecture and views. If you plan to take photographs inside, arrange the required permit; outdoor photography is allowed.
FAQ
Does a Legion of Honor ticket include the de Young?
Yes. Admission includes same-day general entry to the de Young Museum.
How long should I spend at the Legion of Honor?
Allow 2 to 6 hours to explore the galleries, depending on how much of the collection you want to see.
Can you take photos inside the Legion of Honor?
Photography is allowed outside. A permit is required for photography inside.
When is the Legion of Honor open?
The museum is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
