View of Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline

Legion Of Honor

Legion of Honor San Francisco Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled atop San Francisco’s Lincoln Park, the Legion of Honor is a landmark museum dedicated to art, architecture, and historical commemoration. Modeled after Paris’s Palais de la Légion d’Honneur, the museum connects the city’s cultural aspirations with European grandeur, all while honoring the 3,600 Californian soldiers lost in World War I. It has become a premier destination for art enthusiasts and history lovers, renowned for its Beaux-Arts architecture, panoramic views of the Pacific and Golden Gate Bridge, and a collection that spans over 4,000 years (Cabana Magazine, citybop).

This guide provides an in-depth look at the Legion of Honor’s history, architectural highlights, collections, and essential visitor information, ensuring you make the most of your visit to one of San Francisco’s most treasured cultural institutions.

Detail of Ruth Asawa's 1972 San Francisco Fountain featuring Legion of Honor surmounted by Rodin's Thinker sculpture

Portrait of Marie-Jean-Augustin Vestris, French dancer and choreographer

Sleeping Venus reclining peacefully in classical setting by Eustache Le Sueur

Founding Vision and Dedication
Early Collections and Notable Acquisitions
Architectural Evolution and Expansion
Institutional Milestones and Mergers
Collection Highlights and Signature Works
Contemporary Engagement and Exhibitions
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Directions & Accessibility
Architectural Significance
- Design and Site History
- Key Features and Renovations
Outdoor Art and Sculptural Landmarks
Must-See Collection Highlights
Facilities, Amenities, and Practical Tips
Visiting with Children and Families
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visitor Tips
References and Further Reading

Founding Vision and Dedication

The Legion of Honor was conceived by philanthropist Alma de Bretteville Spreckels as a gift to San Francisco, inaugurated on November 11, 1924—Armistice Day (Cabana Magazine). Its purpose was to honor Californian soldiers who died in World War I and to establish a permanent home for European art and culture in the city. The neoclassical building, a three-quarter scale replica of its Parisian namesake, emphasizes Spreckels’ vision of a culturally vibrant and cosmopolitan San Francisco.

Early Collections and Notable Acquisitions

The museum’s first major gifts reflected its international ambitions: an ancient Greek vase from the Queen of Greece and Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker,” presented by Spreckels herself (Meer.com). Early exhibitions and acquisitions quickly established the museum’s reputation for European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts.

Architectural Evolution and Expansion

Designed by George Applegarth and Henri Guillaume, the Legion of Honor’s colonnaded Beaux-Arts façade stands as a symbol of solemnity and grandeur. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the museum underwent significant seismic renovations (1992–1995) to preserve its structure, enhance galleries, and improve accessibility (Apeiro Design). The careful balance between historic preservation and modern updates is evident throughout the museum, most notably in features like the Salon Doré, a restored 18th-century French period room (Cabana Magazine).

Institutional Milestones and Mergers

In 1972, the Legion of Honor merged with the de Young Museum, forming the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) (Meer.com). This partnership allowed for expanded collections, shared resources, and innovative exhibitions. The museum’s centennial exhibition (Nov 2024–Nov 2025) celebrates these developments, with a focus on community engagement and institutional growth.

Collection Highlights and Signature Works

The Rodin Collection

The museum’s Rodin gallery is a standout, with over 90 sculptures, including the world-renowned “The Thinker” displayed in the Court of Honor (Exp1). Other highlights include “Saint John the Baptist Preaching” and “The Gates of Hell,” foundational works for the museum (Antiques and the Arts).

European Masterpieces and Decorative Arts

The Legion of Honor’s galleries feature Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and El Greco; Impressionists like Monet and Degas; and Post-Impressionists including Picasso and Van Gogh (San Francisco.net, SFTourismTips). The Salon Doré and a medieval Spanish artesonado ceiling are architectural treasures within the collection.

Ancient Art

The museum houses notable Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts—ranging from funerary objects to ceramics and jewelry (SFTourismTips).

Prints, Drawings, and Graphic Arts

The Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts offers a comprehensive collection of over 90,000 prints, drawings, and photographs, with rotating exhibitions featuring works by Dürer, Rembrandt, Goya, and Whistler (Antiques and the Arts).

Decorative Arts and Tapestries

Highlights include European furniture, silver, porcelain, and the Joan of Arc tapestries, woven at the Gobelins Manufactory and gifted by France in 1924 (Antiques and the Arts).

Contemporary Engagement and Exhibitions

Recent exhibitions such as “Wangechi Mutu: I Am Speaking, Are You Listening?” have addressed the museum’s colonial legacy and broadened the narrative of art history (The Art Newspaper). The annual “Bouquets to Art” event invites floral designers to interpret works from the collection, while major retrospectives—like the 2024–2025 Mary Cassatt show—underscore the museum’s ongoing commitment to presenting groundbreaking artists (Secret San Francisco, The Voice SF).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Directions & Accessibility

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:15 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays (thisismyhappiness.com, FAMSF.org).
Tickets: Adults $15; seniors, students, youth (13–17) $10; children 12 and under free. Tickets include same-day entry to the de Young Museum. Purchase online via FAMSF or at the entrance.
Discounts: Muni riders receive a $2 discount with proof of fare. Admission is included in the San Francisco City Pass.
Location: 100 34th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121.
Parking: Free lots in front and along the side; street parking nearby. Arrive early for best availability. Avoid leaving valuables in your car (reddit.com).
Public Transit: Accessible via Muni 18 and 38 lines.
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs available at the entrance; elevators and ramps throughout; service animals welcome.

Architectural Significance

Design and Site History

The Legion of Honor is based on the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris and was constructed as a memorial on the former site of Golden Gate Cemetery (Wikipedia). Its bluff-top location at the end of the Lincoln Highway offers sweeping views of the Bay (citybop, Inside Guide).

Key Features and Renovations

The museum’s Beaux-Arts style is defined by its symmetrical colonnade, grand arch, and statuary. The 1990s renovation added seismic retrofitting, new gallery spaces, and a skylight reminiscent of the Louvre Pyramid (Apeiro Design). The Spanish artesonado ceiling, installed in Gallery 3, and the Salon Doré are unique architectural highlights (V&A Blog).

Outdoor Art and Sculptural Landmarks

Court of Honor: Central courtyard featuring Rodin’s “The Thinker” (Outdoor Project).
Pax Jerusalemme: Modern steel sculpture by Mark di Suvero at the museum entrance (Curbed SF).
Holocaust Memorial: Poignant bronze installation by George Segal nearby (Exp1).
Lincoln Highway Marker: Marks the western terminus of America’s first transcontinental road (Wikipedia).

The museum grounds are open to the public, while outdoor art installations and temporary exhibitions are regularly featured (Secret San Francisco).

Must-See Collection Highlights

Rodin’s “The Thinker” (Court of Honor)
Salon Doré (French period room)
Joan of Arc Tapestries
Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts
Impressionist paintings
Spreckels Organ – a 4,526-pipe historic organ used for concerts (Exp1)
Gallery 3’s medieval Spanish ceiling
Outdoor sculptures
Rotating special exhibitions (SFTourismTips)

Facilities, Amenities, and Practical Tips

Café: Offers food and drinks with scenic views (whichmuseum.com).
Gift Shop: Features art-inspired books and souvenirs.
Restrooms: Available and well-maintained.
Docent Tours: Free daily tours; check schedules.
Photography: Non-flash photography allowed in permanent galleries; restrictions may apply to special exhibitions.

Best Times to Visit: Weekdays and mornings are quieter; free admission days are popular and crowded. Dress in layers due to variable weather (thisismyhappiness.com).

Visiting with Children and Families

The museum’s manageable size and open layout are family-friendly, with Lincoln Park’s greenery providing space for children. However, supervision is recommended, and interactive exhibits are limited (thisismyhappiness.com).

Nearby Attractions

Land’s End Trail: Scenic coastal hiking.
Sutro Baths & Cliff House: Historic ruins and viewpoints.
de Young Museum: Admission included; focuses on American, African, and Oceanic art.
Presidio: National park with trails and history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Legion of Honor visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:15 PM; closed Mondays and some holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: $15 adults; discounts for seniors, youth, and students; children 12 and under free. Special exhibitions may require an extra fee.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and wheelchairs available.

Q: Can I use the same ticket for the de Young Museum?
A: Yes, admission includes same-day entry to both museums.

Q: Are there discounts?
A: Muni riders receive a $2 discount; City Pass accepted.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Non-flash photography is permitted in permanent galleries; check for restrictions in special exhibitions.

Q: Is there parking?
A: Free onsite and street parking, but limited during busy times.

Summary and Visitor Tips

The Legion of Honor is a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and historical memory. With its European masterpieces, ancient artifacts, and Rodin gallery—anchored by “The Thinker”—the museum offers a unique cultural experience within a striking natural setting. Prepare for your visit by checking current hours, ticketing, and exhibition schedules on the official website, and make use of the Audiala app for guided tours and updates. Whether for the art, the views, or the history, the Legion of Honor is an essential San Francisco destination (Meer.com, FAMSF.org, Cabana Magazine).