The Legion of Honor is a beautiful piece of architecture in its own right, presiding over Lincoln Park with a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape and area overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Home to a wealth of collected art spanning over 4,000 years, this treasure trove museum and gallery is a cultural hub and a must-see experience for San Franciscans and tourists alike.
Originally constructed to commemorate the Californian soldiers who gave their lives in World War 1, the beautiful French neoclassical-style building now known as the Legion Of Honor has built a legacy and a civic pride all of its own. It opened its doors to the public on Armistice Day 1924 and, in keeping with the donor's wishes, dedicated its legacy to the remembrance of the 3,600 soldiers who gave their lives upon the French battlefields during World War 1. It is another symbol and landmark marking and celebrating the relationship between the Americas and France.
The museum hosts a wide range of ancient and classical art from America and Europe, dating back to the ancient Egyptians, and whilst the Legion of Honor focuses on more classical exhibitions, it has paired with the de Young Gallery, which champions more contemporary offerings; admission to one will also allow entrance to the other. Both galleries have a permanent selection of paintings and artworks as well as a constantly rotating schedule of visiting exhibitions and displays; you can visit the website to see what is currently on offer.
Perhaps the museum's biggest draw is that it is also the home of Rodin’s The Thinker. The statue takes pride of place in the courtyard of the building and continues to inspire and capture the minds of generation after generation of creative minds and intellects.
