SF’s Legion of Honor Celebrates 100 Years with Rare Free 3-Day Weekend
In a rare three-day event, San Francisco’s Legion of Honor museum will open its doors for free to all visitors from November 9-11, 2024, in celebration of its 100th anniversary.
Known for offering a free day on the first Tuesday of every month to all visitors, and weekly free Saturdays exclusive to Bay Area residents, this special weekend will welcome everyone, no matter their residence, for a jam-packed celebration.
This event is particularly unique as the museum will also open on Monday, Veterans Day, a day of the week the museum is typically closed.
A Three-Day Celebration of Art and History
The Legion of Honor, located in the scenic Lincoln Park, invites the public to explore its rich collection of art, history, and culture in a variety of special programs designed for its centennial celebration. The weekend-long event will include live music, dance performances, engaging art activities, and unique opportunities to delve deeper into the museum’s world-class collection, with special access to exhibitions like Mary Cassatt at Work and newly opened Celebrating 100 Years at the Legion of Honor.
Free Ticket Information (Nov. 9-11, 2024)
While tickets are required for entry, they are free and open to the public throughout the three-day event. The ticket includes access to the Legion of Honor’s permanent collections and special exhibitions such as Mary Cassatt at Work, Zuan-cho: Kimono Design in Modern Japan, and Woodcut: Primary Printmaking.
- Please note that separate free tickets are required for Mary Cassat.
- Get Free Tickets (first come first served)
On November 9-11, admission to the Legion of Honor (including Mary Cassatt at Work) is free to the public. On November 9th, de Young general admission is free for Bay Area residents.
Can’t make it this weekend? The Legion of Honor has many free and discounted ticketing options for other dates
Saturday, November 9, 2024: Centennial Kickoff + “Cake Picnic”
On Saturday, November 9, the museum will kick off its festivities with the official centennial celebration. Guests will enjoy performances by the George Washington High School Marching Band, live electronic music by SMARTBOMB, and a historic cake-cutting ceremony featuring remarks from local leaders and French dignitaries. Special art activities like screen printing and a “Cake Picnic” will take place on the front lawn, where visitors can indulge in artistically crafted cakes. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the museum’s free galleries and the Mary Cassatt at Work exhibition.
Sunday, November 10, 2024: Free Day
Sunday, November 10, offers a full day of free access to the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions. As part of the centennial weekend, visitors can explore the Zuan-cho: Kimono Design in Modern Japan and Woodcut: Primary Printmaking exhibitions.
Monday, November 11, 2024: Veterans Day and a Rare Monday Opening
For the final day of the celebration, the museum will open on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11—a rare occasion, as the Legion of Honor is typically closed on Mondays. Veterans Day holds special significance for the museum, which was built to honor California soldiers who died in World War I. In commemoration, the day’s activities will include patriotic-themed performances, organ concerts on the museum’s rare Spreckels Organ, docent-led tours, and a special lecture titled The Thinker’s Place. It’s a fitting tribute to the museum’s origins and an extraordinary opportunity to experience San Francisco’s most beautiful museum on this special holiday.
About the Legion of Honor Museum
Located at 100 34th Avenue in Lincoln Park, the Legion of Honor offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and features art spanning 4,000 years. Housed in a neoclassical building, the museum’s collection includes works by Rodin, European paintings, decorative arts, sculptures, ancient art, and one of the largest collections of prints and drawings in the country.
At the heart of the museum is Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker, a world-famous sculpture that greets visitors in the Court of Honor. This centennial celebration offers the public an opportunity to engage deeply with this iconic San Francisco institution.
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