![\"Lands](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/10\/Lands-End-in-San-Francisco.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Legion of Honor building is a replica of a replica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More precisely, it\u2019s a replica of the French Pavilion at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and that pavilion was a smaller replica of the Palais de la L\u00e9gion d\u2019Honneur in Paris (Visiting Paris? Check out our tours in Paris<\/a>). That\u2019s how the building got its current name. It was built by Adolph Spreckels, a sugar magnate, and his wife, Alma Spreckels, and opened as a museum in 1942, dedicated to the California soldiers killed in World War I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When I talk about great views here, I\u2019m not kidding. The museum is located in Lincoln Park and overlooks the ocean, Golden Gate Bridge<\/a>, and much of the city of San Francisco. Many visit the area to appreciate the scenery and architecture alone, though art lovers won\u2019t want to miss the museum exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are quite a number of art pieces on the grounds surrounding the museum that the public can enjoy for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first one that catches people\u2019s eye is usually Pax Jerusalem, a large red metal sculpture by Mark diSuvero. Across from the entrance is The Holocaust Memorial by artist George Segal. The poignant memorial features a white sculpture of a man standing behind barbed wires; behind him lies a pile of bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n Trip tip:<\/strong> Among the most notable art pieces in the museum\u2019s collection is Auguste Rodin\u2019s famous statue, The Thinker. You\u2019ll find it in the museum\u2019s Court of Honor just outside the main entrance, so you can also see this before paying the admission fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Legion of Honor has a generous collection of ancient art and European art up to the 20th century. Paintings are by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to The Thinker that greets visitors outside, the museum also has a collection of more than 90 of Rodin\u2019s sculptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The museum isn\u2019t just about the paintings on the walls or the sculptures, though. The architecture of the building itself is a draw. For example, when you\u2019re in Gallery 3, be sure to look up. There\u2019s a gilded medieval Spanish ceiling overhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are special exhibits worth checking out as well, depending on when you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possibly the most unusual feature at the Legion of Honor is the Spreckels Organ. It was built by one of the most famous organ builders of the day (in 1924), Ernest M. Skinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The organ was actually built alongside the museum. Skinner worked with Legion of Honor\u2019s architect to incorporate 4,526 organ pipes into the museum\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Admire \u2014 or even hear \u2014 the Spreckels Organ in the museum\u2019s Rodin Gallery. The gallery\u2019s wall is lined with a thin cloth, painted to look like stucco, to enhance the organ\u2019s acoustics throughout the gallery. There are occasional organ concerts that are free to the public, so be sure to check the calendar<\/a> before attending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s all the fun stuff of why you should go. Here\u2019s the practical info for you to know in advance so you can plan for your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets to Legion of Honor are $16 for adults, and certain special exhibits may cost extra. Audio tours are available for $8 (or free for visually impaired visitors). Docent tours, available Tuesday through Sunday, are included with your museum admission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip:<\/strong> General admission tickets are free on the first Tuesday of every month. This day can be busy, so try to come early if you want to make the most of your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you happen to live in one of the nine Bay Area counties, you can get in free every Saturday. They just started this program in 2019, and so far, it\u2019s been a hit. Be sure to bring your ID and book your tickets ahead online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t necessarily need to purchase museum tickets in advance, but it can be helpful if you want to save time or you\u2019re visiting during a busy time of year. Also, you\u2019ll save $1 per ticket when you book online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have access to a car, parking is thankfully free in front of the museum. It\u2019s limited, however, so get there early on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those without a car, the Legion of Honor is accessible by three different Muni buses (18 Bus, 1 Bus, and 38 Bus). As a bonus, you can get $2 off museum admission by showing your Muni ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\nArt Outside the Legion of Honor<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Legion](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/10\/Legion-of-Honor-statue.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Thinker](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/10\/Thinker-statue-at-Legion-of-Honor-e1602708462756.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nArtwork Inside the Legion of Honor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Organ Concerts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs for Your Legion of Honor Visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How much do Legion of Honor tickets cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you need to book Legion of Honor tickets in advance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you get to the Legion of Honor?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Labyrinth](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/10\/Labyrinth-at-Lands-End-in-San-Francisco-e1602708730710.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Legion](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/10\/Legion-of-Honor-facade-with-columns.jpg\")
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