Located in the Outer Richmond of San Francisco, the California Palace of the Legion of Honor is a fine arts museum replicating the Palais de Légion d’Honneur in Paris, France.

Established in 1924, built with tiles and concrete, it was a gift from Alma de Bretteville Spreckels and Adolph B. Spreckels. The couple were philanthropists and advocated the funding of the building. The building was meant to commemorate the lost lives from the Great War.

The Legion of Honor showcases a variety of sculptures by Rodin. In the Rosekrans court of the Legion of Honor, The Thinker sits to greet visitors. Behind The Thiner is a pyramid skylight visible inside and outside the building. The pyramid offers a different experience and perspective of light as it emanates through the ground floor to the lower level.

Beside the building, there is an amazing view of Lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge. Nearby there is also a golfing range. The El Cid statue and the Joan of Arc statue are on horseback sitting on either side of the Legion of Honor.

Along with these statues there is also the large water fountain directly in front of the building and a plaza, which represents the western terminus of the Lincoln Highway, the first road across America. The Legion of Honor’s main highlights include classical pieces offered to visitors all year-round.

The artworks range from sculptures to paintings originated from the Mediterranean Region and Far East to European artwork. Most artworks range from the 14th century to the 20th century.