Legion of Honor

As an annual pass holder at the Legion of Honor, I’ve found the membership to be incredibly rewarding, offering access to a diverse array of exhibitions. One of the most captivating showcases was the 2024 exhibition, Japanese Prints in Transition: From the Floating World to the Modern World.  A Journey Through Japan’s Artistic Evolution This exhibition traced the transformation of Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo period’s delicate ukiyo-e to the vibrant, Western-influenced works of the Meiji era. Featuring nearly 150 pieces from the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, it highlighted the shift in subject matter and style as Japan opened up to global influences in the late 19th century.   Highlights and Notable Works • Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave”: Displayed for the first time in over a decade due to its sensitivity to light, this iconic piece was a centerpiece of the exhibition. • Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s Prints: His works bridged traditional and modern styles, reflecting the cultural shifts of the Meiji era.  • Masami Teraoka’s Contemporary Pieces: Infusing traditional techniques with modern themes, his prints offered a satirical take on Western influence in Japan.  Exhibition Experience The exhibition was thoughtfully organized, with clear explanations of the historical context and artistic techniques. Docent-led tours provided deeper insights, and the museum’s serene setting enhanced the overall experience.  Final Thoughts The Japanese Prints in Transition exhibition was a testament to the Legion of Honor’s commitment to presenting culturally significant and visually stunning art. For art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the annual membership offers unparalleled access to such enriching experiences. 

The Legion of Honor Museum, perched atop Lincoln Park in San Francisco, is a visual feast both inside and out. The building itself, a stunning Beaux-Arts replica of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris, offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.Inside, the museum houses a diverse collection spanning 4,000 years of art history, with a strong focus on European masterpieces. You'll find works by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Monet, and Rodin (including "The Thinker"). The museum's galleries are spacious and well-lit, allowing for a relaxed and contemplative viewing experience.During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the temporary exhibition featuring the works of Wayne Thiebaud. Thiebaud's vibrant and iconic depictions of everyday objects, from cakes and pies to cityscapes, were a delightful contrast to the more classical works in the permanent collection. The exhibit showcased his mastery of color and light, and his ability to elevate the mundane to the extraordinary.Overall, the Legion of Honor is a must-visit for art lovers and anyone seeking a dose of culture in a beautiful setting. The combination of stunning architecture, a rich collection, and engaging temporary exhibits makes it a truly memorable experience.

Amazing fine arts museum known for its ceramics room, Rodin sculptures, Medieval art, and European portraits. They also have some really nice ancient vases and cool veggie-based tableware. The best part right now is the Wayne Thiebaud special exhibit, showcasing some of his most impressive work. Note that a ticket to the de Young also grants you entry here for the same day.

I didn't know this museum existed in San Francisco. The art inside was incredible. They have a nice café and gift shop. This is a must-see stop in S.F. There is a golf course around the museum.

What a museum! The Legion of Honor is truly a fascinating destination in San Francisco. I was absolutely captivated by the sheer number of Rodin sculptures – it's an unbelievable collection, apparently the largest outside of France, and I simply couldn't get enough of it. But the wonders don't stop with Rodin. The breadth of the collection is astounding, offering something for everyone. Imagine seeing a sofa that once belonged to Marie-Antoinette in one gallery, then feasting your eyes on masterpieces by the likes of Rubens, El Greco, and Monet in another! It's a remarkable journey through art history. Beyond the incredible art inside, the Legion of Honor's location is a masterpiece in itself. Nestled close to the Golden Gate Bridge, the grounds are absolutely stunning. The journey there is worthwhile even if you arrived too late to enter the museum – the views and the setting are simply breathtaking. A truly special place that shouldn't be missed!

Gorgeous location, which is the main draw. This museum has more than a dozen galleries, some of which were of more interest than others. The downstairs galleries seem to be the ones that are temporary and rotate. A nice destination for a couple hours once, but I probably wouldn’t return on future visits to the city.

We’d heard rave reviews about the Legion of Honor from friends who love art and history, so on a recent trip to San Francisco, we decided to make it a priority. We booked tickets the day before and spent a few hours exploring. Perched in Lincoln Park with stunning views, it felt like a perfect cultural escape in the city, and we were impressed by how it combines classic European art with a breathtaking setting. ATMOSPHERE: This Beaux Arts-style building is a replica of Paris’ Palais de la Légion d’Honneur, donated to the city in 1924, and it exudes elegance with its grand columns, courtyards, and hilltop location overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific. The interior is clean and well-lit, with spacious galleries that aren’t overwhelmingly crowded, allowing for a peaceful visit. Outside, the grounds in Lincoln Park add to the charm, with manicured lawns and ocean vistas that make it feel like a European palace transported to California. It’s suitable for all ages: we saw families, couples, and solo visitors, and the vibe is sophisticated yet approachable, ideal for a reflective afternoon. EXHIBITS: The permanent collection spans 4,000 years of art history, focusing on European works, including over 800 paintings by masters like Monet and Rembrandt, ancient Mediterranean artifacts, decorative arts, and photography by Ansel Adams. 15 The standout is the extensive Rodin sculpture collection: more than 90 pieces, including a bronze “The Thinker” in the courtyard, which is one of the largest outside Paris and truly mesmerizing up close. We also enjoyed the variety of sculptures, ceramics, and fabrics throughout the galleries. Everything is well-curated, with informative plaques that make it accessible even for non-experts. SERVICE: No reservations required for general admission (although we did buy tickets ahead of time), and we were greeted warmly at the entrance. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, offering maps and quick tips on highlights like the Rodin pieces. Accessibility is strong, with wheelchair rentals, touch tours for low-vision visitors, and sign-language options available upon request. The on-site café provided a nice break with seasonal bites and terrace seating—no issues there, and everything ran smoothly. TIPS: Admission is around $20 for adults (free for SF residents and under 18), and your ticket also grants same-day access to the de Young Museum, so plan to visit both if time allows. Public transport is straightforward—take the 38-Geary bus to 34th Ave and walk a short distance, or use rideshare for ease, as parking is available but can fill up. Go on a clear day for the best views, and combine with nearby spots like Lands End trails or Baker Beach for a full outing. Photography is allowed in permanent galleries (no flash or tripods), but check rules for special exhibits. Hours are typically 9:30am–5:15pm Tuesday–Sunday, so arrive early to avoid any crowds. OVERALL: Was it worth the visit? Absolutely— we’d rate it a solid 5/5 for the stunning art, architecture, and scenery that make it a standout in SF. It’s a gem for art lovers or anyone seeking a cultured break, and we’ll definitely return to catch new exhibits.

Hadn’t been in years. Arrived when they opened at 9:30 and left at 12:30 after seeing everything and listening via my phone to various details on various paintings. Beautiful building inside and out. Plenty of parking. Highlights include history of this art museum, Rodin collection including original thinking ma and much more, Some Degas, Monet and other famous artists. I love how they lay out the art by perods

Bouquets des Artes is now at both the Legion and the de Young in June, 2025. There are some really amazing floral designs with the wonderful art here. My photos really don't capture how well the flowers evoke the spirit of the art. I do think the floral flames are a breathtaking analogy for the gates of hell for Rodin's "The Three Shades". Every time I visit here, I am so amazed by the art and the setting.

Really beautiful museum with works by some of the great artists in history, mostly European from the Middle Ages to Impressionism. It's so cool to see paintings by Goya, Vigée Le Brun, Monet, Seurat, and Van Gogh (even if most aren't ones that they're really known for). You can get a close up look at the paintings to see firsthand the differences in their brush strokes, and it's amazing to walk through each room to see how the styles progressed and changed over time. It feels like walking through an art book, but this is the real deal. The top floor has most of the artwork, the bottom floor is much smaller with a section on prints (with a Toulouse-Lautrec!) and ceramics, and a rotating exhibit. The cafe and gift shop are on the lower level. I went on a Friday morning, got there 10 minutes before opening. Plenty of free parking in the lot across the street. Quick and easy to get in with a pre-purchased ticket online. Helpful and nice staff answered all my questions. Cafe line was pretty long at lunchtime, so I skipped out on that.

First time here and it was a nice museum. I feel like Legion of Honor is not talked about a lot like SFMOMA, Asian Art Museum, etc. Growing up, I've never been into museums, but now that I'm older, I appreciate the art & history of it all. There's a parking lot right in front (maybe could fit 20 cars). If you have a backpack or a larger size bag, you will need to carry it below your waist. I like that it wasn't crowded at all either. On the main level of the museum, there are 5 sections of sculptures, paintings, furniture, etc. and two other sections downstairs below There is a cafe and gift shop downstairs as well. Outside of the museum, on a clear day, you could see part of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's also nice to walk around and see people play golf too. There were a few people that I saw who did a photoshoot here. Definitely a must see if you're into museums!

This year's summer exhibit Wayne Thiebaud is puzzling and strange but nice to be back at Legion of Honor...building is resort style..mirage...if you haven't visited...it's farther away..my father would drive me...pay for the current exhibit...oasis museum from World War I and always nice to see the Rodin sculptures...French memorial...didn't know about it until after high school...nice exhibit this summer Wayne Thiebaud...

Legion of Honor isn't the largest museum around but it's quite lovely inside with plenty of things to see. I have always enjoyed the way they curate different items in the various salons and their special exhibitions are often things to not miss. It's a wonderful museum to strike around. I never get tired of going.

Bouquets to Art exhibit - always beautiful interpretations of the house artworks. It's a must see on an annual basis!

World class art housed in a classical art palace is a hard combination to beat. Combine that with free parking in a beautiful section of San Francisco and you have a recipe for a lovely day. We arrived early on Tuesday to catch the end of the Mary Cassatt show. There are many discounts that can be used here, including the new Bay Area resident discount, if you have a Driver's License with your address on it. Check out the other discounts before you go, especially to a major show, as there is an extra charge for a special show. The visit had a rough start with the cafe situation, but we soldiered on, after a meager meal, and took turns enjoying the china and glass exhibits, and the book store offerings while we took turns waiting in line for the cafe. Somewhat fortified, we took our time wandering through the Mary Cassatt works. Art is always so much more vibrant and lively in person, and this show was no exception. The color and technique in her pastel portraits really shown, and the paintings took on a life of their own. Other visitors were very respectful, and made way for each visitor to have their turn with the work. We sauntered out of the show, refreshed and renewed by out communication with beauty.

Probably one of my favorite museums in San Francisco. The exterior architecture with its grand pillars alone are with a trip. You'll be greeted here by The Thinker. My first stop is always to view their permanent collection of Rococo art. Rococo paintings are my absolute favorite, but it's limited here. My least favorite painter is Caravaggio. So much so that I'll totally avoid viewing any of his dark paintings. He had a pretty dark personal life too, lol. The museum also offers some additional discounts occasionally for the museum store, in addition to the standard member discount. Members also receive exclusive invitations to events.

Visited the museum because I haven't been here for years. A friend wanted to see Mary Cassatt, and I was happy to go to the Legion of Honor again. It's a small, but mighty museum of fine art. The galleries are light filled and beautiful; filled with masterpieces and famous artists. There's sculpture aplenty and furniture, too. And I love that the galleries are named for famous wealthy donor San Franciscans. I imagine many of these works hing in their homes at one time, but who knows? The museum was crowded for a Wednesday. Lots of seniors on tours from somewhere. The Mary Cassatt exhibit was nicely curated and enjoyable. Parking is FREE! (imagine that!) I recommend going to the Legion of Honor if you haven't been in a while. If you're a local, look into membership and visit a few times. There's probably not enough art in your life:-)

This review is so overdue. Visiting the Mary Cassatt exhibition last weekend reminded me of how much I love the Legion of Honor. The exhibition was a real treat; it was interesting to learn how Cassatt's work was dismissed (even by her own family, at times) compared to many of her impressionist contemporaries. I enjoyed seeing Cassatt's work, especially in the historical context of being part of the male-dominated art world. Women's work, motherhood, and family scenes were considered unworthy of artistic contemplation or focus. No more-- the exhibition was absolutely packed, and I've heard it was this way from friends who've gone and visited during the week, too. The Legion's permanent collection spans thousands of years and shouldn't be missed either. The French neoclassical architecture of the Legion is beautiful, making it a popular destination for photographers. Parking is free, but be forewarned it is limited compared to the volume of foot traffic they get for some of the more popular exhibitions, so plan accordingly. The Legion is worth a visit for tourists and locals alike. There's something in their collection for almost everyone.

Visited the Mary Cassatt exhibit at the Legion and loved it! Her work was beautiful and it was great to learn about her fascinating life. I loved how close you could get to examine her paintings. If you go, do watch the video at the start of the exhibit to learn more about her; it only takes about 10 minutes and it's shown in a continuous loop. The presentation of Cassatt's work is well placed and I appreciate being able to photograph all the pieces minus one (no photographs as requested by the owner of the painting). Love going to the fine arts museums and their special exhibits!

I can't believe this museum has been around for 100 years!!! Now one of my fav museums! It was my first time visiting and I am so glad I made time to visit. I didn't realize how much variety there is here. I was really blown away by the impressionist paintings! The galleries are very spacious and go from one room to the next in a "U" shape. I appreciated viewing the Rodin sculptures up close. My favorites:

I also went to the well planned Legion of Honor 100th Birthday bash with free admission to the Mary Cassatt, a female French Impressionist from Pennsylvania (1844-1926) that focuses on women's work. She seems like a private person as no photos of her studio or how she made her exists which is probably a good thing as not many women artists at this time and people wants to steal others ideas which makes me think of evil Andy Warhol stealing Yayoi Kusama repetition artwork. Lovely artwork, got give respect to her when not many female artists given recognition. There were any free activities to do throughout the day, with long lines, so you had to pick what you wanted to do and enjoy Musuem same time. I wasn't able to stay whole day to see the ballet school dance but I am sure it was wonderful. Beautiful weather with sun and views of the golf course as it overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge in the Pacific Ocean. I am glad I found out about this event and was able to make it last minute. Once in a lifetime event for sure, you only turn 100 years old once! lol

a beautiful fine arts museum that is free for residents, they will accept your billing statement with address for proof. The parking is difficult so be prepared to walk, during our visit there was a beautiful small organ concert in the center of the museum. how special. plan to spend a few hours there and bring a jacket. it's cold!

Art Failure Art museum celebrating its 100th anniversary (ca. 1924) since it was established, and along with the de Young Art Museum make up the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Housed on top of a former cemetery, the Legion is home to many ancient art from all across Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. The Good: *Fantastic location at SF's Lincoln Park that's adjacent to Land's End and a fabulous view of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding area. *Free Saturdays for all Bay Area residents (valid ID required) *$20 general admission that's good for both the Legion & de Young on the same date of purchase. *The building is absolutely gorgeous and the surroundings ain't so bad, either. The Meh: *Not the biggest museum we've ever visited. If you go at a medium place, you can probably see the entire displayed collection in less than an hour. *Café is overpriced and underwhelming. The Ugly: *Parking here is limited and can be tough, but if you're patient you'll score a spot (maybe). Conclusion: Beautiful museum in a fantastic location, but with an underwhelming displayed collection.

This was a great art museum overall. Parking was easy to find at the time I came on a weekday at 11 AM ish. The entrance is very cool. A lot of wonderful art pieces across the museum, I like the Monet ones a lot. The museum isn't too big and could be finished in 1-2 hours depending on your pace. There's benches in many rooms for sitting if u r tired.

If this museum is not on your bucket list, you are missing out! There are so many beautiful art pieces and historical furnitures and sculptures that need to be admired. I added few of my top favorite to my review but there are many that you have to go in person and check out. Parking is free and nearby and tickets are cheap.

Beautiful building with a fabulous Rodin exhibit. In addition to seeing what I knew I'd like, Legion of Honor introduced me to a painting that knocked my socks off: The Broken Pitcher (1891) by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. We were invited to tour the museum for free when the desk staff learned that my husband is a veteran, and the visit made for a great afternoon on a cold day.

The LOH is special and one to remember! Prepare to spend a few hours here as you will want to dive into each area of the museum with care. History and tradition comes alive here at the top of the hill. Their collections are to die for. Make sure you stop by the gift shop before leaving. Take a stroll along their grounds. You won't regret it. They also hold organ concerts every so often which are a highlight in the community. Guaranteed an avid fan.

This was my first time ever inside this particular museum and I had no idea they did free tours during certain times of the month! Check out online and you can get a deal! You did have to pay extra to see the special Japanese exhibit, but the free one is just as good I believe!! To see the whole exhibit itself, it was only $20 so that's not going to break the bank either! Hee Nevertheless, we did the free version and we spent about 2 1/2 hours here after checking out the café as well goodness! Everything told the story and we even got to walk into a group with a Docent conversation and learn about a special piece of artwork next to a giant Russian bride painting/portrait! Between this museum and the deYoung museum just on the other side of the park it's a great way to spend the afternoon and learn a lot about history!! I definitely want to come back again and again!!

We went to the Mary Cassatt exhibit. I'm a relocated native San Franciscan now in Sonoma County. I haven't been to the museum in years so it was nice to see the rest of the exhibits. A beautiful revisit. I recommend checking it out. Enjoy!

What a great place to start your San Fran trip with. Grab your rental car and head here! The drive is beautiful along the water, and the parking is easy on site FREE. There are so many picture opportunities and so much to read , loooove it. The gift shop and museum stores were top notch. They have the Japanese prints going on right now and I recc everyone come if you can to support the arts.

Free admission every Saturday for Bay Area residents. Free parking outside the museum. Beautiful art and loved the Guo Pei exhibit a while back. A pretty popular place to take pictures too for prom/grad so I recommend going early in the day if you want less people in the background.

Excellent experience at the Sandro Botticelli special exhibit at the Legion of Honor. A variety of his work from sketch concepts to his most famous paintings. Curated gallery reflects the Botticelli journey from a student, to becoming a reclaimed artist, inspiring for any young artist to see the progression in his works of art. When you purchase special exhibit tickets it also includes general admission, you can browse around the many well curated galleries before or after. Tips: sfhsa.org/san-francisco-museums-all = Free and reduced admission for general admission to local San Francisco Museums if you qualify, show your show your EBT or Medi-Cal card and proof of SF residence. Buy special event tickets online through the famsf.org website to secure tickets ahead of time for limited-time events because they sell out quickly. Crowds are smaller if you go during the week later in the day. Ride share or public transportation recommended. Parking is tricky.

Stopped by on 12/31/23 for the first time!!! My sister came here before and recommend my parents and I to tour around this museum! This place is a true gem in the heart of San Francisco. Several parking spaces for free and general admission is $20 for adults, however there's a few neat discounts for veterans, students, etc. There is only 1 cafe inside and also a gift shop. Make sure to charge up your phone to the max because you will eventually take a bunch of pictures. Extremely scenic views and the amazing art pieces inside is tremendously wonderful to view in person. Overall 5/5!

Just wonderful. Great museum, fantastic shows and their cafe is pretty good too. I like taking the train to the city and walking around the grounds. I went to the Tamara's exhibition and enjoyed finding so much more about her work and her life. Lovely way to spend the day!

Talk about a buildup. And a letdown. The exterior of the Legion of Honor definitely isn't my thing, but it can be impressive as far as not-my-thing things go. It's showy and austere and intimidating and old-world European. And the views. The views are so ridiculously good, it's ridiculous (and good). At a certain time of day, the Marin mountains in the background have a purple-majesty thing going on. They honestly look like the backdrop of a high-school play, at times, like they're not really there. But they are! And so are you! The art? The art. Hmph. Some of it is good, but a lot of it is boring. There's way too much marble everywhere, and the space is used very poorly. There are even beautiful views of outside from the halls of the museum, but sadly, those glass doors are emergency-only exits, so you can't even really admire the different views unless you walk all the way around the building from the front, which you'll never do. Trust me; I keep telling myself I'll do it next time, but I never do. It's a three-star museum, but the additional star is for the view.

A top sight in San Francisco. I have been here many times and today I went for the Tudor exhibit. It's worth seeing if you are interested and get to go this year. The museum has a lot of beautiful art, artifacts and antiques. They have some of the greats like Renoir, Van Gogh, and more. I recommend going early and getting tickets ahead of time online. It's near clement street where they have plenty of restaurants and some of the best dim sum in town.

One of the best art museums in SF Hands down. Lots of French art and make sure to go on Saturdays to hear the organ being played at 16:00!

My mother gifted the honey and I reciprocal NARM and WR memberships over the holiday season and this last weekend was the first time we used them. After dropping by the Walt Disney Family Museum we walked over to the Legion of Honor, which was a gorgeous walk. For those who are curious about the NARM membership, for Legion of Honor, you actually only need one membership as you can bring a guest. This was my first visit and I was surprised how much smaller it was than I expected (having been to De Young several times). Legion is two floors, with the top floor being a little too spread out, and the bottom floor being a little more thoughtful and open. The main draw upstairs were the Rodin sculptures and the main draw downstairs seemed to be the porcelain room. In my opinion the porcelain room at Seattle Art is larger and more evocative in both design and lighting, however the adorable decorative touches on the porcelain at Legion were a bit more whimsical. I also adored the lavender color used for the pedestals as I love seeing space designed in a way that works with the art itself. At the end of the day, unless you're a Rodin fan, you could probably spend 45 minutes walking through and call it a day. All in all I'd say about a 3.8 dependent on what collections they currently have and I'd definitely try and get in under NARM versus buying a membership directly.

Stunningly beautiful and regal museum nestled in the Sea Cliff area that boasts views of the city and the bay all around. My favorite will always be the Rodin pieces and galleries.

Beautiful building in the sweeping Sutro Park area near Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach; very well set up and staffed. Went to see and class journal the Mary Cassatt exhibit, lovingly set up and brief.

I haven't been to the Legion of honor in several years. I went for the Botticelli exhibit, but really enjoyed the Rodan. They're also was an exhibit on pottery where an artist who I cannot remember the name had patched them together and the different ways and they were amazing. The day was gorgeous. Had a very fun time with my friend.

Amazing event! I went here with my girlfriend to check out the Legion of Honor's 100th birthday. There was free entrance for everyone. Entertainment everywhere from the local HS band to DJs. Of course the art was spectacular. We went on a free tour and our curator was amazinggg! I'll definitely be back soon!

WHEN: Sat @10:30am PARKING: I feel like no matter what time of the day, there is free parking. I always manage to find parking right in front. One reason why I come here is because it feels away from the city. It's on top of the hill with a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Museum itself of course is a place I can never get tired of, and the often have special exhibits. They do free coat checks downstairs, where the cafe to eat is at. Sadly the outdoor seating is not open. Getting a membership ($119) is so worth it, especially when you do special exhibits. Going twice with a guest pays for itself, and the membership includes the DeYoung Museum membership too! Love it here! It's always east and enjoyable adding this to my itinerary.

I came on saturday for their free admissions for Bay Area residents. You must book your tickets prior to arriving to the museum for their free admission days. I booked 2 days prior as a FYI. I feel like they do cap it off if there is too many people which is way they ask you to book it online prior to going. When I arrived around 11:45am, parking was not terribly hard to find on the side of the museum. Be mindful that we are in the city, make sure your belongings are out of sight for those that are looking for no good. At the entrance, I showed the people at the front desk the QR codes. She then scanned them and gave us 2 stickers to place on our shirts and we were on our way. I spent about 2 hours in the museum. There were plenty of rooms even without going into the extra exhibits that required a different paid ticket. I had not been to the Legion of Honor since Kindergarten so I honestly did not remember anything there. There were a mix of sculptures, paintings and figurines. I would definitely recommend coming here for a fun filled day at the museum. It's definitely something to do and it seems like a lot of people utilize the free admission days since there were a good amount of people inside. What's also great is how close you are to sutro baths (small hike) or land's ends so you can round off your day at the museum with a little bit of nature :)

I was here last weekend to see Mary Cassatt exhibit...her many various types of work was wonderfully displayed. I learned so much in my short time there. Parking is a little tough so be patient. Beautiful scenery & lots of picture perfect views...

Refined and full of monumental, historical pieces! Much adorned! I wish there's more of this around the city. They just don't make masterpieces these days around the city. Being here, takes me to Europe.

It's downright criminal yet completely predictable that I visit this glorious museum so rarely. I should be ashamed and perhaps even flogged for not coming here in well over a decade, but you can put away your patent leather flogger now since I finally came back for the "Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy" exhibition that's been drawing crowds since April. Seriously, put it away. Although the museum contains a permanent collection spanning over six-thousand years of European art, it was the work of China's leading millennial fashion designer that drew me back. After all, she designed Rihanna's classic trailing yellow gown at the 2015 Met Gala, so she has runway cred. However, Pei's designs aren't limited to couture for A-level celebrities. There are eighty costumes on display spanning the last two decades of Pei's career, and her eclectic, meticulous style is quite astonishing. What's particularly impressive is how they took one-third of the collection and displayed the costumes in the permanent galleries in a way that complemented the colors and historical styles in the individual rooms. It was a true melding of East meets West. What's more, it allowed me to reacquaint myself with the classic art I had been taking for granted for all these years. Rodin's sculptures are still here as are the rich collections of impressionist and post-impressionist work. The Guo Pei exhibition has been extended to November 27 due to popular demand. Admission is $30. Well worth it...and hurry. RELATED - Want to visit a SF landmark? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2FrlWQl

A few days ago,I returned to the very aesthetically appealing California Palace of the Legion of Honor and enjoyed its delightful Old Master Italian Paintings from the Medieval,Renaissance,and Baroque Periods.Italian favorites that day included Luca de Tomme's"Crucifixion"(Italian Trecento,14th Century),Ugolino Di Nerio's"Saint Loius of Toulouse"(Italian Trecento,14th Century),Fra Angelico's"Meeting of Saint Francis and Saint Dominic"(Italian Renaissance),Bartolomeo di Giovanni's"Adoration of Magi("Italian Renaissance"),Cesare Da Sesto's"Virgin and Child With Saints John and George"(Italian Renaissance),Luca Giordano's"Penitent Mary Magdalene"(Italian Baroque Tenebrism)Guercino's"Samson and Honeycomb"(Italian Baroque Tenebrism),Mattia Preti's"Saint John the Baptist Preaching"(Italian Baroque),Massimo Stanzione's"Woman in Neapolitan Costume"(Italian Baroque),Canaletto's"View of Venice"(18th Century Italian),and Pietro Longhi's"Music Lesson"(18th Century Italian).This art museum covers a very broad range of Art,so I restricted this review to its Italian Old Master Paintings.Being back at this art museum was a privilege.

I like this museum, I think it's one of the most beautiful museums in town. Classical architecture on the top of the hill with amazing views, just magical. And the fact that they have different exhibitions and interesting history makes this one of the best museums in San Francisco.

The museum itself is a 5 star visit. Room after room of beautiful artifacts, artwork and rich in amazing history. The architecture of the building itself and views from outside are things to marvel about. We drove down from Reno for The Tudor Exhibit - which was an underwhelming disappointment and a 3 star visit. I live and breath Tudors. I was let down by the size of the exhibit and the lack of variety. They had quite a few armored suits, many old books and scrolls, a ton of old kitchenware and other gems made of gold. They had paintings of the Tudor family but none large enough to impress. The iconic Henry the VIII painting was fairly small and not as grand as you would expect for an Exhibit. At times I felt like I was at a high school Tudor presentation. One of the worst things about it was everyone is allowed to roam free like cattle. It was horribly crowded and people would blindly walk in front of you, or stand so close to artifacts to look or take photos, that nobody else could see them. The gift shop was horribly limited, did not offer enough actual Tudor keepsakes, and offered to many generic items that were being passed off as "authentic", such as quail pens which in reality were most likely ordered off of Amazon and did not even state Tudor on the package. I bought a bookmark with Henry's face on it due to lack of options. Alas. It was nice being so close to history and I did enjoy many select pieces of the display. I don't think I'd go back for another Exhibit if this one is an example of what the others might be like, but the museum itself and the regular works displayed, were amazing.

Another great exhibition from the Palace of the Legion of Honor. Botticelli is the underrated Master of the Renaissance and now that the De Young has gone whole and purged White artists from its rotation of exhibitions there only remains the Legion who loves great art and artists. Don't miss this deep dive into the underlying sketch work that is the basis of all great art. This was eye opening for me on how the greats spend so much time and effort on preparatory work. It's amazing.

Been coming here since I was a kid, having grown up here in the Bay Area. It's a gorgeous museum that makes you feel transported to Europe. I've seen so many exhibits here over the years, with the Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy exhibit the most recent one. The Guo Pei exhibit is the entire reason why I purchased an annual membership, which grants you members only days, free admission, and free admission for a plus one. The Guo Pei exhibit makes me so so so happy. I've seen it 4 times so far! It was very smart of the Legion of Honor to extend the exhibit through November.

Legion of Honor is a fine arts museum on a league of its own. Where else can you find a museum on a beautiful property that overlooks the Golden Gate bridge, downtown skyline and twin peaks? Its backdrop is certainly a match for the pieces inside. Works by Van Gogh, Monet, and more. But wait there's more. A free organ concert? It wasn't just one or two songs, this lasted for at least 30 minutes. And the best part. All. Of. This. Is. Free (if you're a local resident). Dang, San Francisco. You truly are a city invested in the arts and music.

Beautiful museum nice staff and great view of the GG bridge jf the fog lifts. Its close to the pacific so you shiukd stop there and check it out as well since your nearby

Fun to see "The Thinker". Its location in Lincoln Park is perfect for an indoor and outdoor day.

It' been like 10 years since I last visited here. This trip we took the children's to the museum. Getting here wasn't too bad but parking was pretty bad. Let me tell you the secret from what still worked 10 years ago. Just sit in your car and wait near the main entrance since people come for pictures really quick and will leave. I did the same concept, wait there for 10min then got a prime parking after a couple left. Museums wise was great. We went on a free admission Saturday. You still have to line up and get a ticket which the line went fast. We then entered the main museum and started to look at the exhibits. I enjoyed it and the kids did too. I forgot there was Van Gogh and Other famous paintings here too. Was happy to see them. We did stop by the cafeteria to eat a quick bite. I have to say the tuna fish sandwich was good. They added other products to the tuna fish spread which was really delicious. The kids enjoyed the deserts there as well. Downstairs they have a section with more modern exhibits which wAs a nice mismatch from what is being shown upstairs. Our trip there was great. They are doing some work in the front it seams like so you don't have the same photographic scene like you get from wedding pictures but you can still take some nice pictures with the columns.

Love the Legion of Honor. Is a wonderful experience to see the variety of exhibitions there and then enjoy a very good (very expensive though) lunch outside. We like going at least once a month.