Jan 13 2009
The Palace of Legion of Honor
With a view of the Golden Gate Bridge this popular museum boasts over four thousand years of European art. It is located in Lincoln Park which is in the Richmond District area of San Francisco. It has a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate. The Park grounds are lush and green and perfect for a warm afternoon stroll.
The museum was built in 1924 and opened to the public that same year on Armistice day. It is a tribute in honor of the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Rodin’s Thinker occupies the court of honor which is situated at the main entrance to the museum. It is the focal point to the Legion of Honor which draws crowds and photographers from all over the world. It is a massive and creatively sculpted masterpiece.
There are floors of European paintings, ancient artwork, prints and drawings and a porcelain china room with pieces from around the world. The ancient art collections include pottery and sculptures from the Mediterranean regions such as Greece, Egypt and Rome, just to name a few.
There is a vast collection of Grecian pottery and sculpture adorning the halls of the museum. This is a Greek Amphora from the period 510 - 500 BC.
European paintings from the 14th century on are prominently displayed in spacious yet intimate rooms. The collections boast Monet, Matisse and Picasso.
Claude Monet’s the Grand Canal, Venice 1908 is one of my favorite paintings and is elegantly displayed among the European collections exhibit within the Legion’s walls.
The Legion of Honor hosts numerous events and corporate fundraisers throughout the year as well as running exhibitions all year long. The upcoming exhibition of Faberge, Tiffany and Lalique will be at the museum from February 7th through May 31st.
There is also a concert series through the Summer months and a gift shop located within the museum. For more information please visit The Palace Of Legion Of Honor website.
