Museums in San Francisco....

What do you do when you travel?... I like to tour museums and recently, had the opportunity to tour the deYoung (Girl with a Pearl Earring) and Legion of Honor (Royal Treasures from the Louvre) in San Francisco with local artist Lynne Rutter.

After visiting the deYoung, Lynne suggested  lunch at the Beach Chalet. Located at the end of the Golden Gate park, we had a fabulous view of the ocean on a sunny day. The murals inside the restaurant are frescoes from  the WPA program.

...and the magnolia wood staircase going up to the dining room, is embedded with  sinuous sea creatures  carved by Michael Von Meyer.

The Legion of Honor was new to me and quickly became one of my favorite museums in North America. The Bowles collection of 18th century English and French porcelain houses an array of urns, plates, teapots and other decorative pieces produced by Meissen, S`evres , Chantilly and maiolica.

The Legion of Honor is a museum that attracts the decorative artist featuring ornate paneled rooms..

scagliola, marquetry and other decorative techniques. The building itself is an example of beautiful architecture... What a perfect day!

Thank you Lynne for being my tour guide and making my trip to San Francisco inspiring!