Remarkable sculpture in Stanford Memorial Court. I stopped by during a tour of the campus earlier this week, and stopped by again late in the evening to take pictures without being photo bombed! The sculpture depicts the heroic Burghers of Calais, and is hauntingly beautiful, depicting courage during moments of adversity and impending death. Worth a visit if you're on campus. read more

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I brought my friend to come visit here as she never been. We dropped by around 6:20pm, it wasn't crowded at all. There was only one person sitting around. We got rest of the entire area on our own. If you never been here, I highly recommend for you to check out this place. It is worth a visit at least once. read more

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No need to grab your passport and head to Paris or fly to Philly for either's Rodin Museum when there's this fantastic Rodin Sculpture Garden free and at your footsteps in Palo Alto! Located adjacent to the Cantor Center's West Entrance, it features one of Auguste Rodin's "The Gates of Hell" bronze castings, which incorporates some of the characters/scenes from Dante's Inferno. It's worth it to examine the many groupings in this bronze because at the foot of this presentation of The Gates of Hell you'll find larger independent free-standing versions, such as The Three Shades (Le Trois Ombres). Note, Rodin's iconic The Thinker (aka Le Penseur or The Poet) originated as part of The Gates of Hell, positioned above the door panel. A spectacular independent, large version of The Thinker, however, is not in the Sculpture Garden but immediately inside the West Wing rotunda entrance. Additionally, there's an ongoing exhibit, "Rodin: The Shock of the Modern Body," also great to visit indoors. (The museum is also free.) read more

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Worth while. To the left and adjacent to the Cantor Art Center entrance, this garden houses 20 large Rodin bronze sculptures. This is an extraordinary collection on a small 1 acre. I love that it's outside in a serene setting that incorporates pines and cypresses. These are authorized posthumous casts by the French government. The Gates of Hell (1880-c. 1900, lost wax cast in 1981) bronze is imposing in both the size and the quantity of works. The massive TGoH is flanked by life size Adam and Eve. The Gates of Hell captures Dante's Inferno and required 37 years of work from Rodin. But it wasn't finished during his life time. Having seen many stand alone "The Thinker" over the years, it's satisfying to view The Poet on The Gates of Hell. The Three Shades is accessible in life size form as well as seen atop TGoH. The Kiss isn't displayed stand alone in the garden but a miniature is inside the Cantor AC. The final version on the Gates of Hell is that of despair not sensuality. The Fallen Caryatid, The Walking Man and The Falling Man are here as well. Burghers of Calais is NOT here but is in Memorial Court in front of the Quad that is worth the trek. I went on a weekend so the parking was easy. Definitely worth visiting and pleasant without the crowds. :) read more

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One of the largest Rodin collections in the world! I'm a fan of his work, so I have been lucky enough to visit this garden a few times now. His best work here is definitely "The Gates of Hell" guarded by Adam and Eve. Lovely display and there's benches to sit while you admire all the details. PRO TIP: Park at Roth Way Garage for free after 4 PM! This garage is close to the garden and just a short walk around the Stanford architecture school. read more

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Part of the Cantor Arts Center, the biggest draw to this exhibit seems to be the Gates of Hell sculpture, a detailed and powerful portrayal of Dante's inferno, featuring, among others, The Thinker atop the gates, representing contemplation of humanity. But the entire garden is just as magnificent, with intriguing bronze sculptures scattered throughout, creating this other world with the placement of these statues, somewhat mysterious and definitely beautiful. Plenty of seating as well, both directly in front of the Gates of Hell making it easy to admire the piece, but also benches surrounding the garden and picnic tables beneath the trees. read more

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I agree this is an excellent sculpture park, but I felt that there was something missing. Don't get me wrong, I think it's excellent, but I would like to also recommend a nearby cool place. There's this really cool statue over at Jerry Bowden Park in Palo Alto. I mean it has everything from cars to running. And trust me, I am not biased on this one bit. It's just solid art. I do think the statue might be getting lonely though, and I... it... would appreciate a visit. Maybe a photo with m- with it. That would be nice. Gotta run--- Rrrun read more

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"I am like a moon that shines on an immense, unknown sea where ships never pass."―Auguste Rodin Located right outside the Cantor Arts Center lies largest collection of Rodin sculptures by an American museum with nearly 100. The collection also presents comparative works by his rivals, mentors, admirers and imitators. This exhibit is free and open year-round since its just sitting there for anyone and everyone to see. While visiting the sculpture garden itself is technically free, the parking during the week is not. if you visit Mon-Fri then expect to have to pay for parking; the current rate ($4.50/hr w/ a max of 4hrs@$18) expires on Aug 31st, 2020. So expect a price increase after that date. But, if you visit on weekends then parking is free! So def worthy of a quick visit if you're on campus or visiting the Cantor Arts Center. read more

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The sculptures out in the garden are nice. People can get as close to them as they want. I didn't know ahead of time that people can touch them. I don't know if I would be really that interested in touching the sculptures. I enjoyed seeing them outdoors in the natural setting. The garden was manicured really well. I saw a large variety of sculptures at the B. GERALD CANTOR RODIN SCULPTURE GARDEN MCMLXXYV STANFORD MUSEUM OF ART, including the following: *The Three Shades, 1881-83 and 1901-02 Bronze, cast 1980 [Auguste Rodin France, 1840-1917] *FALLEN CARYATID WITH URN *FALLEN CARYATID WITH STONE *ORPHEUS *Spirit of Eternal Repose C 1898, 3 Bronze cast 1981 *HEAD OF JEAN D'AIRE, BURGHER OF CALAIS (May be monumental head of Jean D'Aire according to the map sign) *HEAD OF PIERRE DE WISSANT, BURGHER OF CALAIS (May be monumental head of Pierre de Wissant according to the map sign) *JEAN D'AIRE, BURGHER OF CALAIS *TORSO OF THE FALLING MAN (May be monumental male torso according to the map sign) *The Walking man 204, 1900-10 *Seated woman, Cybele *Prayer (May be nude study for Jean D'Aire according to the map sign) *Adam *Eve *Martyr *Meditation with arms, I don't remember seeing this one *Meditation with out arms *Gates of Hell According to the map there was a monument to Claude that I don't remember. I also don't remember the monument to Bastien lepage. So I think there were missing or I somehow overlooked them: *Meditation with arms *Monument to Claude *Monument to Bastien lepage There were nice benches to sit down on. There was also someone in the park painting a portrait of one of the sculptures. Depending on what time of day you go, you will get a different view of the sculptures. The lighting is just different and casts shadows in different places. I wish the signage was congruent with each other and matched in terms of the wording of the sculpture titles. Also, I think the locations were a bit off. Overall it was a lovely place to visit. read more

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Free public art in Palo Alto! Located on the campus of Stanford University the Rodin Sculpture Garden contains one of the largest collections of Rodin sculptures in the world! The most famous work here is named "The Gates of Hell". It's the biggest piece in the collection. Black in color and elevated by a few stairs, this masterpiece is awesome! However, there was a tourist taking multiple photos of each image in the piece. I was waiting patiently for him to move. My friend is impatient and she said that we can return. Of course, we forgot to come back to get that photo. I'm so disappointed. I need to return!!! read more

Rodin Sculpture Garden - Entrance - Museums Near Me - Stanford, California

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The Rodin Garden is located right outside the Cantor Art Museum. Like the museum it is free and it is one fo the more impressive collections of Rodin's work to be found anywhere in the world. As with most of his work his genius lied in the ability to capture anguish in the faces of his work. You really sense the depth of emotion looking at each face and you wonder what exactly was torturing their souls. Of course the cornerstone fo the garden is the massive "Gates of Hell" the level of detain and again the way he conveys suffering in manifest in this sculpture. Why yes there are even babies being sucked in. Not a baby you exclaim??? Having been a pediatric ICU/Transport nurse for almost 25 years, I can attest that some babies/children are indeed demon spawn. The main reason I took away a star is the fact that this place has become packed with hordes of the selfie stick crowd. It makes the kind of peaceful contemplation almost impossible during the day. That being said, there is something eerily compelling to walk the garden at night. As noted it is located right next to the Cantor and Anderson museums. In addition there are a few eateries and tons fo stuff to see and do ont he Stanford campus. read more

Rodin Sculpture Garden - Museums Near Me - Stanford, California

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Free public tours with no reservations required: Sundays at 3:00pm, Wednesdays at 2:00pm, Saturdays at 11:30am. Located outside of the Cantor Arts Center is a beautiful garden at the intersection of Museum Way and Lomita Drive. This ode to French artist Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) is in the heart of the Stanford arts district on campus, across Palm Drive, northwest of the Main Quad. Stanford boasts the largest Rodin collection in an American museum. His sculptures redefine the expressive capacity of the human form and engagement with the body. You can visit the garden for free, rain or shine, day or night. Often with art students drawing and tourists perusing familiar bronze sculpture casts such as The Three Shades (Les Ombres, 1881-1886) and The Gates of Hell (La Porte de l'Enfer, 1880-1900). Limited street parking (metered until 4pm via credit card and mobile app) is available on Lomita Drive. There is also a nearby parking structure on Roth Way @ Campus Drive (take note of floors specific to A and C permit spaces). Parking is free throughout after 4PM on weekdays and and all day on weekends. read more

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Rodin sculptures in a public area? Yes! An unparalleled gem for classical art lovers. I love visiting these Rodin masterpieces whenever I'm in Palo Alto. Visually stunning. My favorite pieces are the life sized 'Three Shades' and the twenty foot 'Gates of Hell'. There are also picnic benches in the garden. This has been called the largest Rodin display outside of Paris. It is a must see. This unique sculpture garden sits outside the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts, (328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305), which hosts incredible artworks with no entrance fee. read more

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A wonderful place to put in your itinerary when you are visiting Stanford. The place is free as it is always available to visitors (as it is an outdoor exhibit) who would appreciate the wonderful work of Rodin. Who is Rodin you say? Remember the Thinker (watch "Night at the Museum") ...that statue that looks like a buff guy that does 100 bench presses 3x a day, over thinking what he's gonna post on Twitter or Instagram??? yeah that's it...He created that statue. Anyway, I enjoyed going and appreciating his work as I stood staring at the Gates of Hell (bronze sculpture, that is...). It is riveting and enthralling all at the same time. The other sculptures spread on the garden are actually snippets of the gate and if you want to make a game out of it, go around the garden and figure out where these parts are located. Best to visit this when its NOT Tuesday because the museum next to it is always closed only on that day. read more

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I am a fan of installation art and sculpture gardens -- Storm King and MOMA back East are two faves -- but it is rare to find installations and gardens in the United States dedicated to a single artist of Rodin's calibre -- in the quantity found here. Located on the grounds of Stanford University -- adjacent to the Cantor Arts Center -- this exhibition is spectacular in its breadth; reputedly the largest of its kind outside of Paris. The surrounding zen-like landscape is a perfect foil for Rodin's dark and brooding bronzes. Much to see and plenty of food for thought -- this space was constructed to supply numerous vantage points and plenty of seating for study, reflection or even -- if so inclined -- photography and drawing/painting. When (or if) you tire of his larger works -- like the "Gates of Hell" -- bronze doorways depicting scenes of Hades -- wrought in the style of Hieronymus Bosch' "Last Judgment" -- you can check out the numerous smaller pieces inside the adjacent Cantor Arts Center. Here you will find perhaps his best known work -- "The Thinker" -- in a skylit circular room equipped with 360 degree seating. Top Tip: If you are a fan of classical sculpture and fine art or even just curious -- plan on spending the day here so you can take it all in. Entry is free -- the only cost will be parking -- which is nominal. read more

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While the other art is nice it's really all about the 'Gates Of Hell' for me when I visit! Great for taking pictures with! Open 24/7/365! 100% Free! What's not to love? read more

I was just thinking of my last trip to Paris (last year in May) last week. I regret that I didn't go to the Rodin Outdoor Sculpture Museum there when I had the two-day museum pass that I bought at le tabac (the newspaper and cigarettes shops all over Paris that sell museum passes). Too many art museums to check out in just two days! Imagine my surprise when I stumbled onto a Rodin Outdoor Sculpture Museum on the Stanford campus this week! It kind of makes sense that a fancy private school would have original Rodin sculptures just sitting around in an outdoor museum on its campus! Absolutely top-notch with an amazing giant gate sculpted from top to bottom. Such a serendipitous and unexpected surprise! Loved it!! read more

This is an amazing, free garden. It had one of only seven Gates of Hell casts in the world along with several more. The sculptures are set outside amidst the beautiful architecture and landscape of the Cantor Arts Center. Worth a trip. One of the best Rodin collections in the world, arguably. read more

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Its always a pleasure to fine art in unexpected places. And it's even better when its accessible. NO LONG LINEs or security searches to impede your discovery. This is in the courtyard near the main chapel on campus. And as all of Rodin's work timeless. You can imagine how difficult life was back then and how much their pained faces tell their story. The lasting impression I still have is how big their feet are. I think that's more for mechanical stability vs an artistic statement. read more

If you're a fan of Rodin, look no further. Who knew that the world's largest collection of Rodin bronzes outside of Paris can be found here on the Stanford campus? If you're nearby and searching for the Rodin Garden, disobey Miss Siri as she goes all dumb blonde on you when trying to find this place. She tells you to drive down streets that have car blockades. We'd have had a full on Palo Alto 911 episode if I'd have plowed through those concrete barriers. Instead, we hoofed it over to a campus map, stuffed Siri, drove until we found a "Rodin Sculpture Garden" sign, and followed things from there. Siri...pfffft. The outdoor garden has ample parking right nearby and the 20 sculptures won't take long to enjoy. Especially because there's so little information on display to describe the works. So, what you get is the name of a piece and the piece, period, end of story. It's easy and reasonable to assume you can get through this in a very short time. The one place where you'll want to spend more time is likely at the "Gates of Hell", fronted by "Adam" and "Eve". I might've slept through Art History but I do remember a few things about the Gates of Hell. Read up a little and then spend some time pondering what you're seeing. This is a pretty incredible, controversial sculpture. Your appreciation of it will be helped by arming yourself with a little background info even if you need to get it off your phone while sitting in your car moments beforehand. The sculpture garden is amazingly informal. It's open at all hours with lighting for nighttime viewing. No guards are there to tell you not to touch sculptures, climb all over the sculptures (hello little boy), or put your small dog into an outcropping on the Gates of Hell for a photo op (hello me). This art just feels like it's there for people to enjoy. A late afternoon picnic amongst the sculptures would be a nice use of the space and nobody would discourage it. If you find yourself really taken with the whole idea of Rodin sculptures on the Stanford campus and are clamoring for more, your desires can be met. Nearby, in Stanford's Cantor Arts Center there are approximately 200 Rodin works including "The Thinker" (you surely know that one, yes?). His "Burghers of Calais" are also nearby, outdoors. Admission to the museum, like the sculpture garden, is also free. Free docent led tours of the sculpture garden and the galleries are available (check web site for times) if you really want to learn something about what you're seeing. I see little need to muck up this fine free adventure with an overage of knowledge. The Stanford campus is a beautiful place to spend some time: View some art then walk around and drink in the rest of the setting. The entire place is quite remarkable. read more

Cool outdoor exhibit. The indoor museum is interesting with some classic and some modern pieces. Worth checking out. read more

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This lovely garden is not to be missed! I drove my rental car, and was able to park 50' away. Lovely sculpture repros, with a phenomenal Gates of Hell (what amazingly detailed figures!) I took lots of pictures, and was inspired to buy two Rodin books to learn more about the artist. Unfortunately the museum itself had not yet opened for the day. Highly recommended. read more

Happy 172nd birthday, Rodin! "The Gates of Hell" is a magnificent piece, prominently standing among Rodin's other works in the garden. It's now that I see the gates in person that I get why my high school English teacher said "The Thinker" was supposed to be Dante contemplating "The Divine Comedy." I didn't say she was right, but I see what she was getting at. A smaller version of "The Thinker" sits above the doors, intricately covered with scenes the circles within. Above him are the "Three Shades," who my friend and I joked, are performing the "Singles Ladies" dance. A larger version of them is along the sidewalk, facing the parking lot. It's free to visit the sculptures, which are illuminated after dark for people who'd prefer to view them at night. There are about 20 Rodin pieces here by the museum, but in the relatively nearby Memorial Court (near Stanford Memorial Church) there's Rodin's "The Burghers of Calais" with each of the aspects of the statue separated out. read more

Rodin Sculpture Garden - Rodin's Gates of Hell with his Adam and Eve on either side - Museums Near Me - Stanford, California

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Very impressed by the level of detail and massiveness of Rodin's "Gates of Hell". The Rodin Garden is a sculpture garden right outside the entrance to Cantor Arts Center. Seems like a nice place to have lunch and admire the artwork when it's sunny. Supposedly at night the lighting makes the sculptures look even more impressive and foreboding. If you're even more artistically-inclined, visit the free art exhibits inside the Cantor Arts Center and don't forget to donate! read more

A large selection of Rodin bronzes on the beautiful Stanford campus. Go Cardinal! read more

Rodin Sculpture Garden - Heavenly! - Museums Near Me - Stanford, California

I have many memories of this place, ranging from the flashing lights and loud music of Party on the Edge (an undergraduate party held at the Cantor) to the quiet afternoon my design thinking class took us here to sketch. It's quite impressive that we have such a large collections of Rodin here. The Gates of Hell is particularly striking. There's more sculptures, indoors, too. read more

Rodin Sculpture Garden - Drawing, or an example of an activity you could do here to unwind. - Museums Near Me - Stanford, California

It's been said that Cantor Art Center has the largest collection of Rodin's sculptures outside of Paris. Feeling quite lucky I get to come here so often! There are about 200 sculptures indoors and roughly 20 bronze ones outdoors in a beautiful garden. I love to spend some weekend afternoons here, have a picnic, a glass of wine, while worshiping all the master pieces surrounding me, or do a quick sketching of one of my favorite sculptures. One of my favorite ways to relax! The most iconic piece here is The Gates of Hell, originated from Dante's Inferno. There are only seven copies in the entire world and this is one of them! Here you are, take a very close look of all the twisted and struggling figures who are facing the final judgement day. It's always so much more impressive to see it in person! Rodin spent one whole year reading Dante's Inferno, that's how he was able to bring them to life! The individual statues scattering around the garden are life sized figures of the characters in The Gates of Hell. The infamous Thinker statue is sitting right on top of the doors. The larger than life size copy is placed indoors, in the center of the exhibition hall under a glorious dome. Looks incredible in person as well. Further away from the garden, you could also find Rodin's famous group sculpture, The Burghers of Calais. They are about life size and placed on the ground level, which is Rodin's original intention for the setup of this group sculpture. Visitors can walk among them, touch them, see them face to face and read their anger, fear, and despair from their eyes. Rodin is trying to tell us, heroes are humans built of flesh and blood like us, they do have fears and pains, but they still would make such a huge sacrifice for a great cause, that's what makes them truly respectable. Rodin Garden opens 24/7, free admission. If you could come at night, the garden actually look even more stunning under the night lights. read more

Awesome!!! Made it a family event and went her for a school project! We had some fun but youngins. it might tough for them to get into it but you never know! Open up their minds and expand their horizons and tastes. So many Rodins that your feet get tired from walking. Highly recommend it! It is free and it's always good to see with friends when entertaining. When I talk about Art and Stanford with someone they do bring up the Rodins (I swear!!!) out of the blue. We in the Bay Area are spoiled and this is one of the many things we have to enjoy here so go see them!!! read more

i came here years ago, but don't remember much about that visit since it was a quick one. on my second visit, i came with a friend since we were just taking our time, strolling around campus on a beautiful spring saturday afternoon. this garden is free and open to the public, and is just outside the cantor arts center at stanford university. rodin's works of art are absolutely stunning, with the attention and detail given to each figure, each curve, each facial expression. we definitely spent more than a few moments admiring each piece, and felt like we were in a renowned art gallery rather than an outdoor campus garden. i think our favourite was the piece entitled "gates of hell" which stands prominently on one end of the garden. this transported me to europe, where i saw many biblical pieces, contrasting heaven and hell. after gazing and meditating a bit on this grand masterpiece, we took some photos, to capture this memorable work of art. if you happen to be visiting the cantor arts center, may as well go outside, get some fresh air, and enjoy this sculpture garden. read more

This is a gem. Please visit if you are in the Palo Alto area. The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford is a place I will take out of town visitor. It is free and full of surprises. read more

Beautiful and the second largest collection of Rodin sculptures in the world. The main collection is in Paris.

Ummm... how can anyone give this place less than five stars??? It is: 1) the largest Rodin collection outside of Paris; 2) on a beautifully maintained campus; and 3) totally FREE! It is worth seeing the sculptures in the campus main quad as well as those in and around the garden/museum. read more

For several years I have wanted to check this out at night. I like it in daylight and thought it would be amazing lit up at night. Last week, I had the opportunity to check it out after dark. We even brought a broom to sweep the gravel and other debris off of the in-ground lighting. We were underwhelmed. It seems like little thought was put into light placement and how the lighting would bring the sculptures to life. Each sculpture was lit from a single in-ground light. The lights were generally not bright enough to properly light the works and were not placed well either. Rodin's works spring to even greater life when lighted properly. It is truly a shame that these great works are not properly lit! read more

101N was packed on my way back home from a meeting in SV. So, why not divert to Stanford and continue on the route I should always take: 280. We take so much for granted! It is such a delight to be able to admire Rodin's sculptures free-of-charge, free-of-crowds, so up-close you can even touch them. Try that in Paris! read more

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Pleasant place under the trees to see good Rodin scupltures.... best to bring along a picnic lunch and share with a friend. read more

Nice walk through if you can't see the museum in Paris! Don't miss The Gates of Hell piece, here is one of only 7 places in the world you can find it. Did I mention it's all free to see? read more

Rodin Sculpture Garden - Museums Near Me - Stanford, California

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I love the Cantor Arts Center! The Rodin Garden has a bunch of cool sculptures too. If its a nice sunny day you should have lunch outside. I like the gates of hell ;p... The Cantor Arts center is free, and they accept donations. read more

Rodin Sculpture Garden - The Gates Of Hell. Awesome. - Museums Near Me - Stanford, California

It's not a huge garden. Kind of a couple minutes to walk around and admire the sculptures. But it is outside so depending on the time of day, it could be very hot. The Gates of Hell right next to it. So that was cool. read more

Not sure what else you could want of a sculpture garden. Free, beautiful area, and extremely remarkable pieces by Rodin.

So I've been to several Rodin sculpture gardens now: Philly, Paris and Stanford. These are probably by far the most famous of them out there and the one here at Stanford is the largest outside of Paris. Most are in front of the Cantor Arts Center but there are a smattering of them throughout the campus with the most famous being the Burghers (sp?) in the Quad. It's really great that a university like Stanford respects the arts and ensures that students regardless of specialty are given an opportunity to enjoy these spectacular sculptures. read more