The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco operates two museums with distinct identities and complementary collections. The de Young occupies a copper-clad building in Golden Gate Park, while the Legion of Honor stands in Lincoln Park with views overlooking the Golden Gate.
The December 9 gala at the Legion of Honor supports both institutions. Proceeds fund exhibition programming and educational initiatives that serve Bay Area audiences through the combined resources of San Francisco’s largest public arts institution.
The de Young and Legion of Honor
The de Young presents modern and contemporary art alongside American, African, and Oceanic collections. Its Golden Gate Park location draws visitors who combine museum visits with time in the surrounding gardens and recreational areas.
The Legion of Honor focuses on European paintings and sculpture, with its Beaux-Arts architecture providing an appropriate setting for collections spanning ancient to modern periods. The museum’s centennial year has featured exhibitions celebrating its 100-year history.
Jean-Pierre Conte and the Guest List
Jean-Pierre Conte attended alongside trustees and civic leaders. David and Mary Beth Shimmon, FAMSF trustees, joined arts philanthropists George and Judy Marcus. Former Mayor Willie L. Brown and California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis demonstrated civic engagement with cultural institutions.
Over 220 guests gathered for the black-tie evening. The guest list included FAMSF board members Carl Pascarella, Lynn Poole, Brenda Wright, Lisa Zanze, and Romana Bracco, whose governance contributions complement their financial support.
Jean-Pierre Conte’s San Francisco Presence
Jean-Pierre Conte began his finance career at Chase Manhattan Bank before moving to San Francisco. He built his career leading a San Francisco-based private equity firm before establishing family office Lupine Crest Capital.
Local philanthropy includes support for 10,000 Degrees, which helps high school students pursue college education, and partnerships with Pepperwood Preserve, an ecological research institute focused on environmental challenges in Northern California. His foundation supports a range of causes spanning education to environmental conservation.