Fine Arts Museums: de Young / Legion of Honor

As a VENUE: Host your event…

When you host a party at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, you create much more than an event. You create a truly memorable experience. Whether it’s the Legion of Honor’s neoclassical architecture and breathtaking Golden Gate views or the de Young’s state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Golden Gate Park — there is something for every event, no matter the size or style. Plus, by celebrating at the Fine Arts Museums, you are directly supporting our exhibitions, education initiatives, and public programs. Two of the most sought after venues in San Francisco, the Legion of Honor and the de Young are perfect for your: * Wedding * Reception, or * Private event, no matter the theme or scale.

• Rent the Legion of Honor. The Legion of Honor has long been one of San Francisco’s most popular venues for weddings, receptions, and a variety of private events. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge and all of San Francisco, the Legion is most noted for its breathtaking setting. Its collections include Rodin’s Thinker, which sits in the museum’s Court of Honor, European decorative arts and paintings, Ancient art, and one of the largest collections of prints and drawings in the country. All of the galleries are available for private viewing during your exclusive event. For an event setting beyond comparison, host your next event at the Legion of Honor. Eight distinctive spaces are available:

Weddings + Private Events 

Legion of Honor event spaces

• Court of Honor: Events in the Court of Honor are held against the backdrop of the museum’s columned architecture and Rodin’s famous The Thinker. Our renowned Court of Honor can be rented as a stand-alone space or with our Rodin Galleries.
  • Capacity: Seated – 500 guests (in tented Court of Honor)
  • Reception – 600 guests

• Balustrade Lawn: Overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, the Balustrade Lawn provides the quintessential San Francisco view for your wedding ceremony. Note: only available for ceremonies; must be rented with another space. Earliest start time: 6 pm
  • Capacity: Seated – 250 guests

• Rodin Galleries: The only place in the world where you can host an event amid Rodin’s sculptures, the Rodin Galleries include three connected spaces on the museum’s upper level. These elegant rooms, featuring high ceilings, skylights, and marble architecture, can be used for cocktail receptions and small ceremonies.
  • Capacity: Seated: 80 (Gallery 10)
  • Reception: 200 standing / 80 Seated 

• Terrace Level: The Terrace Level lets you move from indoors to outdoors through three distinct spaces: the Hall of Antiquities, Museum Café, and terrace. Note: this rental does not have gallery access; therefore food and beverages are allowed in all areas.
  • Capacity: Seated – 150 guests inside café with dancing area
  • 180 guests inside café with dancing on the terrace (may require tenting);
  • Reception – 350 guests

de Young event spaces:

• Babro Osher Sculpture Garden: Surround yourself with art in our romantic sculpture garden, our most popular ceremony space. Note: only available for ceremonies; must be rented with another event space.
  • Seated capacity: 250
• Hamon Observation Tower: The Hamon Observation Tower is a spectacular glass-walled space with a 360-degree panoramic view of downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, the bay, and the Marin Headlands. The tower is available on its own or as an add-on, if you’d like to start guests off with a sunset cocktail reception before enjoying dinner in Wilsey Court or the Piazzoni Murals Room. Note: certain service restrictions apply for hot foods.
  • Seated capacity: 45
  • Reception capacity: 150
• de Young Cafe’ + Terrace: The only indoor / outdoor rental space at the museum, this is one of the most popular settings. The café features handblown light fixtures, modern design elements, and glass walls providing views onto the Music Concourse. Step outside and find yourself in your own private sculpture garden. Note: includes use of tables and chairs.
  • Seated capacity: 150 (100 with indoor dancing)
  • Reception capacity: 200
• Wisley Court: The premiere event space for larger receptions and banquets, Wilsey Court can accommodate up to 350 seated guests with room for dancing, a stage, and bars. The expansive space, with its soaring ceiling, serves as a canvas that lets you create any style of event.
  • Seated capacity: 350
  • Reception capacity: 700
• Entire Museum: Rental of the Entire Building with the Court of Honor includes access to all three levels and all the galleries. Food and beverages are not allowed in the gallery spaces but are allowed in Wilsey Court, the main lobby, Piazzoni Murals Room, Museum Café, terrace, and the Hamon Observation Tower. Dancing and entertainment are allowed in any of the above listed spaces.
  • Seated capacity: 350 (in Wilsey Court)
  • Reception capacity: 1,500 to 3,000

Corporate Events

Whether you’re planning a private dinner for your board of directors or a cocktail reception for 1,000 guests, the de Young and Legion of Honor have the event space to fit your needs. Our exceptional galleries, including special exhibition spaces, may also be rented for private viewing. Event rentals are a benefit of Corporate Membership.

Legion of Honor event spaces

• Court of Honor: Events in the Court of Honor are held against the backdrop of the museum’s columned architecture and Rodin’s famous The Thinker. Our renowned Court of Honor can be rented as a stand-alone space or with our Rodin Galleries. Note: The Court of Honor must be tented. For wedding ceremonies, the Court of Honor must be rented with another space. Earliest start time: 6:30 pm
  • Seated capacity: 500 (in tented Court of Honor)
• Rodin Galleries: The only place in the world where you can host an event amid Rodin’s sculptures, the Rodin Galleries include three connected spaces on the museum’s upper level. These elegant rooms, featuring high ceilings, skylights, and marble architecture, can be used for cocktail receptions and small ceremonies.
  • Seated capacity: 80 (Gallery 10)
  • Reception capacity: 280 (200 standing, 80 seated)
• John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Theatre: Our majestic Gunn Theater comes with a fully equipped stage and AV services, including lighting, sound, and projection, making it ideal for presentations, awards, and off-site meetings. Available in the day or evening; either alone or with a reception area for food and drink. Note: No food or drink is allowed in the theater. Pricing is dependent upon time of day. Nonprofit rates are available.
  • Seated Capacity: 316
• Entire Museum: Rent the entire museum and get access to all main galleries and the Terrace Level (which includes the Museum Café, terrace, and Hall of Antiquities). Enjoy food, drink, and entertainment in the Court of Honor, Rodin Galleries, Hall of Antiquities, café, and terrace.
  • Seated capacity: 180 (in café)
  • Reception capacity: 600
• Entire Museum with Court of Honor: Take over the museum and enjoy private access to the courtyard, both levels of the museum, and all the art galleries. Enjoy food, drink, and entertainment in the Court of Honor, Rodin Galleries, Hall of Antiquities, café, and terrace. Note: this rental requires tenting the Court of Honor.
  • Seated capacity: 450 (in tented Court of Honor)
  • Reception capacity: 1,000

de Young event spaces

• Entire Museum: Rental of the entire museum includes access to all three levels and all of the galleries. Food and beverages are not allowed in the gallery spaces but are allowed in Wilsey Court, the main lobby, Piazzoni Murals Room, Museum Café, terrace, and the Hamon Observation Tower. Dancing and entertainment are allowed in any of the above listed spaces.
  • Seated capacity: 685
  • Reception capacity: 2,500
• Hamon Observation Tower: The Hamon Observation Tower is a spectacular glass-walled space with a 360-degree panoramic view of downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, the bay, and the Marin Headlands. The tower is available on its own or as an add-on, if you’d like to start guests off with a sunset cocktail reception before enjoying dinner in Wilsey Court or the Piazzoni Murals Room. Note: certain service restrictions apply for hot foods.
  • Seated capacity: 45
  • Reception capacity: 150
• Wisley Court: The premiere event space for larger receptions and banquets, Wilsey Court can accommodate up to 400 seated guests with room for dancing, a stage, and bars. The expansive space, with its soaring ceiling, serves as a canvas that lets you create any style of event.
  • Seated capacity: 400
  • Reception capacity: 800
• de Young Cafe’ + Terrace: The only indoor / outdoor rental space at the museum, this is one of the most popular settings. The café features handblown light fixtures, modern design elements, and glass walls providing views onto the Music Concourse. Step outside and find yourself in your own private sculpture garden. Note: includes use of tables and chairs.
  • Seated capacity: 160 (120 with indoor dancing)
  • Reception capacity: 275
• Koret Auditorium: This state-of-the-art theater features a hardwood stage and roomy leather seats. Spanning two levels of the museum, the auditorium is available for both daytime and evening rentals. In the evening, additional event spaces may be rented for intermissions, or pre- or post-performance receptions. Note: no food or drink is allowed in the Koret Auditorium.
  • Seated capacity: 289

Support the Legion of Honor Museum… by simply booking your next special occasion here:
https://www.famsf.org/about/weddings-private-events

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

Every purchase directly supports the de Young and Legion of Honor Museum Stores

Locally rooted, internationally engaged, we connect each visitor with the power of art to inform, inspire and enrich their lives with the special products we feature in our stores. Reflecting the diversity of our Museums’ collections, the Museum Stores of the de Young and Legion of Honor educate and serve our audiences with unique, quality products, significant publications, and exhibition-related merchandise that enable our visitors to “take home” a part of the museum for their enjoyment and ongoing memory of their experience. Merchandise is catalogued within these collections: * New * Exhibitions * Jewelry * Accessories * Home * Paper * Books * Kids * Gift Guides, and *Art on Demand.

Dedicated directly to, and an integral department of the Fine Arts Museums, the de Young and Legion of Honor Museum Stores operate as non-profit retailers under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and are a key earned-revenue department of the museums. Revenues generated by our stores are deposited into the operating budgets of the Museums, providing cultural engagement for our communities and economic sustainability for our institution.

Support the Legion of Honor Museum… by simply purchasing your specialty merchandise here:

https://shop.famsf.org/

As an EATERY: Food for thought…

de Young Café

With a fresh interpretation of American and European classic cuisine by McCalls Catering & Events, the café features seasonal ingredients from local vendors and unique menu items inspired by our special exhibitions.

https://www.famsf.org/visit/de-young-cafe

Legion of Honor Café

With a fresh interpretation of American and European classic cuisine by McCalls Catering & Events, the café features menu items crafted with seasonal ingredients from local vendors and unique menu items inspired by our special exhibitions.

Support the Legion of Honor Museum… by simply dining here:

https://www.famsf.org/visit/legion-of-honor-cafe

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

Membership:

One Membership. Two Inspiring Destinations: Members are welcome to visit both the de Young and the Legion of Honor as often as they like, and enjoy early access to special exhibitions and exclusive viewing hours. Join this community of members, and discover more opportunities for appreciation, study, and quiet contemplation at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Memberships at specified levels are offered: * Individual * Dual * Family * Contributor * Enthusiast, and * Partner.

Patrons Circle: (Connect with curators and fellow art lovers through compelling programming, insider access, and premium service.) Memberships at specified levels Include: * Fellow * Supporter * Benefactor, and  * Champion.

Leadership Circle: (Invest in the future of the arts and deepen the role of art in your own life through unparalleled access, exclusive events, and curated international travel.) Memberships at specified levels Include: * Leader, and * Innovator.

Donation

Give! A gift to the Fine Arts Museums supports groundbreaking exhibitions, gives teachers more effective tools, inspires students to forge new connections, protects the permanent collection for years to come, and sheds new light on art through lectures and special programs:

• Donations: The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco support education programs, exhibitions, collection conservation, and much more. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Donations are specified amounts are designated or you may customize your gifts.
• Legacy Giving: Create a lasting legacy and ensure access to the Museums’ collections, exhibitions, and education programs for generations to come.
• Gifts for the future
  • Gifts in a will or trust: Donations in your will or trust are the most popular type of planned gift. Get help starting your will or trust — for free!
  • Beneficiary designations: Gifting assets not covered by your will, like 401(k) or IRA accounts, may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
  • Gift of art: We welcome bequests and promised gifts of art.
  • Legacy Society: Everyone who shares their intention to make a legacy gift is invited to join the Fine Arts Museums’ Legacy Society.
• Gifts that pay you back: Experience the best of both worlds: support our cause while receiving fixed payments for life.
  • Charitable gift annuities: Experience the best of both worlds: support our cause while receiving fixed payments for life with a charitable gift annuity.
  • Charitable remainder trusts: Tailor income streams, diversify assets, and leave a lasting legacy through the flexibility of a charitable remainder trust.
  • Charitable lead trusts: Enhance your giving strategy by providing immediate support to our cause, while safeguarding assets for loves ones later.
• Tax Smart gifts
  •  Stocks, securities + mutual funds: Many people love donating stock or mutual funds because it may help them avoid paying capital gains taxes.
  • Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from your IRA: Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and our mission.
  • Donor-advised funds: Easily recommend grants to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco for tax-efficient giving.
  • Real estate: Donate real estate to make a lasting impact, unlocking the hidden potential of your property’s value.
• Patrons Circle: The Patrons Circle brings together a group of dedicated art enthusiasts whose annual contributions of $2,500 or more enable the Fine Arts Museums to share the transformative power of art with an ever-widening audience. Join this community of donors and enjoy insider access and compelling learning opportunities with an array of exclusive benefits, including special events, behind-the-scenes tours, VIP tickets, and invitations to travel with museum curators.
• Exhibition Support: This level of impact and recognition has been achieved in part thanks to the extraordinary array of special exhibitions presented at the de Young and the Legion of Honor. These shows go beyond “blockbuster” to offer Bay Area residents and visitors from around the world rare access to important collections and inspiring works of art.
• Foundation + Government Giving: At the heart of all of the Fine Arts Museums’ activities is the engagement of our audiences in cultural experiences as a means to individual and community transformation and betterment. Thanks to the generous support of local and national foundations and government funders, we are able to stand behind our belief that providing universal access to art builds community, fosters learning and creativity, and nurtures an ongoing appreciation of art.
• Program Support: To support our mission, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco offer an extensive array of education and public programs for audiences of all ages that complement our special exhibitions and permanent collections. The Museums are further committed to caring for and preserving our holdings, conducting and presenting in-depth collections-based research, training and mentoring young conservators, and providing greater access to the collection for scholars, students, and the general public.
• Matching Gifts: Many companies offer matching-gift programs, giving you the opportunity to multiply the impact of your contribution to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco at no additional cost to you. Contact your human resources department to see if your company matches charitable donations.
• Corporate Sponsorship: Sponsorship of an exhibition, program, or event at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco can be a highly strategic approach to achieving specific corporate marketing objectives. With your company’s business goals in mind, our staff will work with you to create a bespoke sponsorship package with benefits for your clients, employees, and executives to enjoy.

Membership Council: What kind of impact does your company want to have in the community? What kind of cultural engagement opportunities do you envision for your employees? Membership in the Business Council engages businesses of all sizes and from a wide variety of industries in the cultural life of our community and demonstrates a company’s commitment to the arts. Members gain special access to our world-class collection, exhibitions, and programs, and receive a wide array of benefits for executives and employees—from free admission to invitations to exhibition previews, as well as opportunities to entertain in the Museums’ incomparable spaces. Membership dues are tax deductible.

Art Point: Art Point is a group of young professionals, collectors, and philanthropists who support the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Members enjoy exclusive access to behind-the-scenes and after-hour programs at the de Young and Legion of Honor. Annual events feature cocktail receptions, programming with contemporary artists, exhibition-related lectures, happy hours at the museums, art events throughout the city, and more. Art Point participants must be current members of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco at the Individual level or above. Proceeds support exhibitions and programs at the de Young and the Legion of Honor.

Volunteer: Ready to join this 300+ group of like-minded art-lovers? Volunteering at the de Young and the Legion of Honor promotes literacy in the arts and provides crucial support to the overall operations. Volunteers gain knowledge of art and art history, arts administration, and valuable customer service skills.

Support the Legion of Honor Museum… by simply joining, giving, and volunteering here:
https://legacy-giving.famsf.org/