Perched in Lincoln Park above the Golden Gate, this grand museum pairs European art and sculpture with dramatic ocean views. Youth 17 and under are free, and the lawns and nearby coastal trails are made for exploring.
Local Legend: The Museum on Top of a Cemetery: The Legion of Honor
What is actually true: This is the rare legend that turned out to be largely true. The site was City Cemetery, set aside in 1868 and used for the city’s poor; burials were banned in 1898 and the land became Lincoln Park in 1909. The graves were never all moved. When the museum was seismically retrofitted in the 1990s, about 750 burials were found and removed, according to the SF Standard, and up to about 20,000 people may still lie under the Lincoln Park golf course next door. We found no reputable source for actual ghost sightings, so the haunting part stays a story.
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:30 am–5:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30 am–5:15 pm |
| Thursday | 9:30 am–5:15 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am–5:15 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–5:15 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am–5:15 pm |
Closed Mondays, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
From the venue’s own page, checked October 4, 2026. Holiday hours and one-off closures can differ.
Getting There
Transit directions, including buses
Nearest Muni Metro, streetcar and cable car stops and BART stations, from SFMTA and BART published stop data. Distances are straight-line, and walking times are our estimate. Buses aren’t listed here.
More in Richmond District
Coming up Nearby
- Sandcastle Classic Sat, Oct 24 · Ocean Beach at Balboa Street
- The Wildwoods at 4 Star Theater Wed, Oct 28 · 4 Star Theater
- Legion of Honor Free First Tuesday Tue, Nov 3 · Legion of Honor
Places in the Neighborhood
- Green Apple Books on Clement Shops
- Mountain Lake Park Parks & Playgrounds
- Toy Boat by Jane Ice Cream & Treats
2 upcoming events here on our calendar. This page updates itself as we add events.
Coming up Here
Legion of Honor Free First Tuesday
Tue · 9:30 am · Legion of Honor
Richmond DistrictFree
Legion of Honor Free First Tuesday
Tue · 9:30 am · Legion of Honor
Richmond DistrictFree
Getting There
Transit directions, including buses
Nearest Muni Metro, streetcar and cable car stops and BART stations, from SFMTA and BART published stop data. Distances are straight-line, and walking times are our estimate. Buses aren’t listed here.
Mentioned in Our Guides
Questions People Ask About Legion of Honor
Is the Legion of Honor free on Saturdays?
Yes, for residents of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties. It covers the permanent collection; special exhibitions are full price. Bring a driver's license or a postmarked envelope.
Is there a free time at the Legion of Honor every day?
Yes. From 4:30 pm the permanent collection is free for everyone, no ticket needed. The museum closes at 5:15 pm.
Can I visit the Legion of Honor café or store without a ticket?
Yes. The Museum Store and the café don't need paid admission.
What days is the Legion of Honor closed?
Mondays, plus Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Cite this page: Project SF, “Legion of Honor”, projectsf.com/listings/legion-of-honor/ (updated ).