The Legion of Honor in San Francisco is one of the two main art museums in the city. You may think ‘how boring’, but this beautiful place has some good reasons why you would want to go.
What you need to know first is that you are in one of the most impressive locations in the city in Lincoln Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge and all of San Francisco. But there is more.
5 reasons to see the Legion of Honor museum
It occupies an elegant Beaux-Arts building inspired by the Palace of the Legion of Honor in Paris. That’s the # 1 reason you should go, just to see it, even if you don’t go in.
In its entrance courtyard is the sculpture simply called The Thinker. You know, the famous one everyone has seen photos of. It is a larger-than-life bronze cast, one of several commissioned during the life of artist Auguste Rodin. That’s reason # 2 . Who wouldn’t want to be seen with a “thinker”?
Reason # 3 is its collection, which spans 4,000 years of ancient and European art. There has to be something there that almost anyone would like.
If you, like me, are a fan of the sculptor Auguste Rodin, there is much more of his work inside, one of the largest collections I have seen outside of Paris. That’s reason # 4 . Even if you don’t think you like your work, you can change your mind after viewing this collection.
Reason # 5 . There’s so much more to enjoy, including an entire (and original) 19th century room created for King Louis XVI of France to entertain guests at the Hôtel de La Trémoille in Paris. You will find paintings and drawings, antique objects, costumes and textile art, furniture, photographs and graphic arts dating from the 15th century to the present day.
They also have a fun gift shop and a local cafe where the Legion of Honor is in lovely surroundings, offering a Sunday brunch menu. The gift shop is also worth a visit.
If you are a movie buff, you may recognize the Legion of Honor from Alfred Hitchcock’s film Vertigo as the place where the character Carlotta saw the painting. That’s why he’s also on our Vertigo Movie Tour of San Francisco.
3 reasons not to go
If you are someone who hates art museums and you are not going to change your mind no matter what, take a look at the exterior of the museum anyway. Skip inside if you want.
If you are only in San Francisco for a short period of time, you have a lot to see that you can’t find anywhere else. Take a look if you drive, but spend the rest of your time doing something else.
If you have been to the largest and most famous art museums in the world, the Legion of Honor may be too small, or their collections may not be as good as elsewhere. However, if you are a fan of Rodin, you may want to go just to see that collection.
What people think of the Legion of Honor Museum
I love the beautiful Legion of Honor building, and the extensive collection of Rodin sculptures. And it’s fun to walk into the museum’s entrance courtyard to see The Thinker, even if you don’t go into the museum.
Online reviewers often mention the jaw-dropping views and architecture. In fact, some say it is the most beautiful place in San Francisco. They also say that it is less crowded than the DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park. Some people complain that it was not open when they visited. Don’t be like them: check their hours before you go.
Like almost any other museum, the café often gets lower marks than the collections, and most of the complaints are about the price.
What you need to know before going to the Legion of Honor
They will search for your bags , and you will not be allowed to bring large backpacks to the galleries (for the safety of the artwork).
The museum is closed one day a week and some holidays . Check the current hours, display, and prices on the Legion of Honor website before you go.
The coffee is expensive and the surroundings of the museum are beautiful. If you plan to be there long enough to feel hungry, bring a picnic and eat outside.
Parking in front of the museum is limited, and it is often full . There is another parking lot next door, or you can park on the street on Lincoln Blvd. Just like anywhere else in a big city, it’s best to secure your valuables, keep them out of sight, or bring them inside and search.
If you fall in love with those Rodin sculptures, you can find more at the Cantor Arts Center on the Stanford University campus in Palo Alto.
Get to the Museum of the Legion of Honor
Legion of Honor Museum
100 34th Avenue
Check current hours, exposure and prices on the Legion of Honor website
By car, take Geary Blvd. west, turn right on 34th Avenue and follow the road through the golf course to the Legion of Honor.
By public transport, you can find various options described on the Legion of Honor website.
