The Legion of Honor opened in 1924, and its centennial year has featured special programming and exhibitions honoring that milestone. The December 9 gala continued those celebrations, bringing together more than 220 guests to support the museum’s ongoing mission.
Designed by George Applegarth and modeled after Paris’s Palais de la Légion d’Honneur, the museum occupies a dramatic site in Lincoln Park overlooking the Golden Gate. Its centennial programming has attracted both local audiences and international attention.
A Century of Art in Lincoln Park
The Legion of Honor 100 celebration has featured exhibitions showcasing the museum’s European paintings collection alongside contemporary works. “Manet & Morisot,” the current show running through March 2026, serves as the penultimate exhibition in the centennial program.
Earlier programming included “Wayne Thiebaud: Art Comes from Art” and exhibitions featuring contemporary artists in dialogue with the museum’s historical collection. A Yinka Shonibare retrospective will conclude the centennial celebrations, marking the first major West Coast presentation of the British-Nigerian artist’s work.
The December Gala
J-P Conte joined over 220 guests for the seasonal fundraiser. Gala co-chairs including FAMSF Board President Lorna Meyer Calas welcomed attendees alongside Honorary Chair Diane Wilsey, whose continued leadership has shaped museum programming and fundraising efforts.
The evening began with a curator-led preview of “Manet & Morisot” before guests gathered in the Court of Honor for dinner and dancing. The Bob Hardwick Sound Sensation, flown in from New York, provided musical entertainment spanning swing, Latin, and popular standards.
Learn more here: https://jean-pierre-conte.com/
Philanthropy and the Centennial
J-P Conte’s attendance signals business community support for cultural landmarks during milestone moments. Through his foundation, Conte has emphasized long-term institutional support. His $25 million gift to Colgate University funded physical infrastructure for student life, while his $5 million UCSF gift established permanent research positions.
Conte leads family office Lupine Crest Capital after building his career at a San Francisco-based private equity firm. His philanthropic philosophy emphasizes projects with longevity at their core, supporting institutions positioned to deliver sustained impact across generations.