Legion of Honor

As a professional photographer and videographer, the Legion of Honor is honestly one of my absolute favorite spots in San Francisco to capture photos. I have been inside and it is a beautiful place to take in some truly amazing artwork. The collection of European paintings and ancient art they have on display is incredible to see in person. But for my work, the exterior grounds are where this location really shines. It has similar grand architectural features that everybody seems to love, but it tends to be far less busy than the Palace of Fine Arts. Utilizing the stunning pillars and the sweeping colonnades gives engagement and wedding photos such a luxurious and high end look. Depending on the time of day, the lighting out in the courtyard can be drastically different. You can get something with really dramatic, harsh shadows playing off the stone, or you can get beautifully flat and even light for portraits. The vantage points are also unbelievable. From the grounds, you can get incredible shots with iconic San Francisco landmarks like Sutro Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge right in the background. The stone balustrades and the round walls just complete the entire aesthetic. I love the Legion of Honor, and I am sure it will not remain a hidden gem for long once I start sharing more of these pieces. If you visit, I hope you get a chance to take beautiful photos of the architecture itself. It is simply an amazing location to experience.

An incredibly beautiful museum. The enormous exhibition halls are arranged harmoniously and spaciously. Because of the large size of each gallery, the museum never feels crowded or overwhelming. You walk around and explore, realizing there are many people there, yet no one gets in each other’s way. Everything is bright, clean, and even a little luxurious. At times, it felt like being inside a castle. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore the entire museum because we had a symphony orchestra performance planned afterward. Which means we will definitely come back again. Considering the size and scale of this museum, it’s worth setting aside anywhere from 2 to 6 hours for a visit. They also have a huge café-restaurant and an indoor garden, so there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful setting. This is truly a must-visit place in San Francisco if you are a lover of ancient architecture, art, and monumental grandeur.

I’ve photographed over 50 sessions at the Legion of Honor and it is the best spot for classy, elegant, timeless photoshoot - weddings, elopements, fashion editorials, and engagement shoots — the neoclassical architecture, the columns, the view of the bay and Golden Gate behind it. It’s one of those places that elevates everything. Best time to visit is early morning or just before closing — midday brings more foot traffic and it’s harder to work with. Weekdays are significantly less crowded if you’re not booking the space privately. Important to know — photography is allowed outside but not inside without a permit. Check the museum website for current exhibitions as they affect access and crowds. One of the most versatile and beautiful locations in all of San Francisco.

Such a pretty museum with one of the best views in the city. The building itself is modeled after the Palais de la Legion d’Honneur in Paris. It has big marble columns and a beautiful courtyard. In the center sits Rodin’s The Thinker...contemplating who took the best photo of him for Instagram. I went specifically for the Bouquets to Art exhibit, where floral designers create arrangements inspired by pieces in the museum. Very cool. A well spent afternoon.

Awesome museum!!! One of my favorite museums on the West Coast. 19th Century art is my absolute favorite, and they have a HUGE collection here. We live two hours away, so can't come as often as we'd like. So it's a treat when we can. The Manet and Morisot exhibit just closed, but it was awesome!!! Bonus: Ticket is also good for same day visits to the de Young.