woman at a T-shirt booth

de Youngsters Day Out, 2022. Photograph by Gary Sexton

Volunteer

Are you interested in joining our Volunteer Council? Here you’ll find information about volunteering for the de Young and Legion of Honor, including how to get involved, descriptions of our volunteer opportunities, benefits offered, and frequently asked questions.

Note: We are currently not accepting applications for volunteer positions. For other questions, please see our FAQ below, or contact us at volunteer@famsf.org.

Already a volunteer?

Opportunities

On the museum floor

Volunteers welcome visitors at the information desk and kiosk by providing directions, tour and lecture suggestions, transit information, and local tips. 

Behind the scenes / administrative support

Behind-the-scenes volunteers provide as-needed support for a variety of departments, assisting with mailing, filing, paperwork, and phone calls, among other duties. They also get an inside look at how a museum functions.

Flower Committee

The Flower Committee designs and creates artistic fresh-flower arrangements at the de Young and the Legion of Honor. Volunteers with professional floral experience or a floral design degree are preferred.

Gardening and landscaping

Our teams of volunteer gardeners maintain and nurture the plants and flowers on the museum grounds.

Special events and projects

Volunteers assist with various special events that take place at the Museums, such as the Fair Trade Bazaar and the Holiday Artisan Fair. They perform a variety of duties, including check-in and registration, materials assembly, and hospitality assistance.

Volunteers provide crucial support to de Young and Legion operations. They also gain knowledge of art and art history, experience in arts administration, valuable customer service skills, as well as the following benefits:

  • Free admission to the permanent collection and most special exhibitions at both the de Young and the Legion of Honor
  • Access to free lectures, special tours, educational programs, and previews of special exhibitions
  • Discounts at Museum Stores and Cafés
  • Annual appreciation luncheon
  • Insider knowledge about the Museums’ history, operations, and collections
  • Recognition for volunteer service milestones

Volunteer FAQ