Legion of Honor, San Francisco (must see)

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor, commonly referred to as the Legion of Honor, is an esteemed art museum situated in San Francisco. It forms a significant part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, along with the de Young Museum.

Originally, the site on which the Legion of Honor now stands served as the Golden Gate Cemetery, owned by the city. Established in 1870 and closed in 1909, it once housed around 29,000 remains and included a Chinese burial ground and a Potter's field.

Alma de Bretteville Spreckels, wife of sugar magnate Adolph B. Spreckels, generously gifted the Legion of Honor. She convinced her husband to fund the museum and secured art donations from the French government and Queen Marie of Romania, including a replica of her Byzantine Golden Room.

The museum building is a full-scale replica of the French Pavilion from the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition. It was designed by George Applegarth and Henri Guillaume. Construction began in 1921 after permission was granted by the French government, but it was delayed due to World War I. The museum was dedicated to California soldiers who died in the war and opened on November 11, 1924.

Strategically situated in Lincoln Park on an elevated site in the city's northwest, the Legion of Honor boasts stunning views of the nearby Golden Gate Bridge and the distant downtown skyline.

From March 1992 to November 1995, the Legion of Honor underwent extensive renovations, including seismic strengthening, system upgrades, restoration of historic features, and a substantial 35,000 square feet underground expansion. Notably, the Court of Honor now showcases a pyramidal skylight, inspired by the renowned Louvre Pyramid. Architects Edward Larrabee Barnes and Mark Cavagnero were responsible for these remarkable changes.

As a museum, the Legion of Honor houses an extensive collection of ancient and European art, spanning an impressive history of over 6,000 years. Visitors can explore noteworthy exhibits containing ancient works from Egypt, the Near East, Greece, and Rome, as well as an extraordinary assortment of European art, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin, El Greco, Titian, Rubens, and van Gogh.

Why You Should Visit:
The selection of special exhibits only enhances the permanent exhibit. The setting in a wooded area near a golf course is in itself a respite from other museums in downtown sites. The onsite café and gift shops are delightful and make a several hours museum visit quite enjoyable.

Tip:
Free visit on the same day with the deYoung Museum.