
Rodin Sculpture Garden
Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford: A serene outdoor collection of iconic bronze masterpieces by Auguste Rodin, set amidst beautiful university ground...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful

Rodin Sculpture Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford: A serene outdoor collection of iconic bronze masterpieces by Auguste Rodin, set amidst beautiful university grounds.
"Gorgeous sculptures in a beautiful setting, a great place for meetings or just to appreciate the art. "

🎯 Reserve Museum Spot
Book your museum spot online, especially for weekends. :ticket:
🚗 Weekend Parking
Parking is often free on weekends at Stanford. :car:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gates of Hell
Cantor Arts Center
Rodin's monumental masterpiece, a swirling vortex of figures, is a must-see.

The Thinker
Outdoor Garden
The iconic contemplative figure, a symbol of intellectual endeavor.

The Burghers of Calais
Outdoor Garden
A powerful depiction of civic sacrifice and heroism.

Adam and Eve
Outdoor Garden
These striking figures explore themes of creation and humanity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Timing
Stanford Campus Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Museum Spot
Book your museum spot online, especially for weekends. :ticket:
🚗 Weekend Parking
Parking is often free on weekends at Stanford. :car:
🚶♀️ Walkable & Spacious
Plenty of space to admire art and relax. :walking:
📸 'Yo' Sign Photo Op
Don't forget to snap a pic at the 'Yo' sign! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Museum Spot
Book your museum spot online, especially for weekends. :ticket:
🚗 Weekend Parking
Parking is often free on weekends at Stanford. :car:
🚶♀️ Walkable & Spacious
Plenty of space to admire art and relax. :walking:
📸 'Yo' Sign Photo Op
Don't forget to snap a pic at the 'Yo' sign! :camerawithflash:
🌳 Nature & Art Harmony
Enjoy the blend of sculptures with nature's beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Rodin Sculpture Garden for its beautiful setting and impressive collection of masterpieces. The harmonious blend of art and nature is a major draw, offering a peaceful and inspiring experience. While the garden is generally free and accessible, some note that getting clear photos on busy weekends can be a challenge, and the 'Tree of 40 Fruit' was a disappointment for one visitor due to a lack of fruit.
"We had a great time visiting the Cantor Art Center and the sculpture garden. If you go on the weekend, the parking is free, and admittance into the museum is also free but you do need to go online and reserve your spot. I suggest going early. We arrived around 11 a.m., and we were able to park easily. And apparently if you don't take your picture in front of the Yo sign, then you weren't really there 🤣🤣🤣 while waiting on the hubby to go to the bathroom it took me a good 20 minutes to get a clear shot of the front of the building without anyone posing in front of it 🙃"
Liz Rugne
"Gorgeous sculptures in a beautiful setting.
There’s ample areas to stand and admire the sculptures or to sit with friends.
It’s a very walkable area, and not too crowded on a sunny fall afternoon.
A great place for meetings or just to appreciate the art during a nice city walk."
River Nomadic
"I hadn’t been to see the gates of hell since it was at the Philadelphia Rodan Museum, over 35 years ago so I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was here in the permanent collection.
Also outside where Adam and Eve and the Burghers of Calais was indoors, beautiful sculptures that they are. Located on the beautiful grounds of Stanford University. It is well worth visiting."
Elise Krentzel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rodin Sculpture Garden is located on the grounds of Stanford University, as part of the Cantor Arts Center. You can drive to the campus and follow signs for the museum. Parking is available nearby, and it's often free on weekends.
Stanford University is accessible via public transportation, including VTA buses and Caltrain. Check local transit schedules for routes that serve the university. From the nearest stop, you may need to walk or take a campus shuttle to the Cantor Arts Center.
Parking is available at the Cantor Arts Center. While it can be free on weekends, it's advisable to check the university's parking regulations for the most current information.
The Rodin Sculpture Garden is described as being open all hours, suggesting it may be accessible even when the Cantor Arts Center museum itself is closed. However, it's always best to verify current access policies.
Absolutely! The garden is described as a very walkable area with ample space to stand and admire the sculptures or sit with friends, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the museum itself may require a reservation, the Rodin Sculpture Garden is often accessible without a separate ticket, especially as it's described as being open all hours. However, for full museum access, booking online is recommended.
The Rodin Sculpture Garden is noted to be open all hours, offering a unique opportunity for visits at any time. The Cantor Arts Center museum has its own specific operating hours.
Admission to the Cantor Arts Center and its sculpture garden is generally free, though reservations may be required, especially on weekends.
Yes, it is suggested to go online and reserve your spot, particularly if you plan to visit on a weekend.
Entry to the sculpture garden is typically free, though the museum may have specific ticketing or reservation requirements.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in outdoor sculpture gardens for personal use. Capturing the interplay of Rodin's art with the natural surroundings is highly encouraged.
Iconic pieces like 'The Thinker,' 'The Gates of Hell,' and 'The Burghers of Calais' are highly photogenic. The garden setting itself, with its seasonal blooms, also provides beautiful backdrops.
Drone usage is typically restricted on university campuses and in museum grounds for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check Stanford's specific policies regarding drones.
The 'Yo' sign on campus is a popular photo spot, and capturing the sculptures against the backdrop of Stanford's architecture or natural landscape will yield great shots.
On weekends, it can be challenging to get clear shots without people in them, as it's a popular spot. Visiting during weekdays or early mornings can help.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Key works include 'The Gates of Hell,' 'The Thinker,' 'Adam and Eve,' and 'The Burghers of Calais.' These pieces showcase Rodin's mastery and diverse themes.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to several hours, depending on your interest in art and the university campus. Many visitors find it humbling to spend hours contemplating the works.
Yes, the garden offers ample areas to stand and admire the sculptures or to sit with friends, providing comfortable spots for reflection.
The open space and impressive sculptures can be engaging for children. It's a great way to introduce them to art in an accessible outdoor setting.
It showcases a significant collection of Auguste Rodin's works, highlighting his contribution to modern sculpture, set within the beautiful landscape of Stanford University.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Auguste Rodin: The Master Sculptor
Rodin's work often challenged the idealized forms prevalent in academic sculpture of his time. He focused on the human body as a vehicle for intense feeling, capturing moments of struggle, contemplation, and passion. His ability to convey inner turmoil through external form is a hallmark of his genius. The Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford provides an excellent opportunity to experience this firsthand, with many of his powerful pieces displayed in an open-air setting.
The Harmony of Nature and Sculpture
This thoughtful integration of sculpture and environment creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Visitors can wander through the grounds, discovering masterpieces like 'The Burghers of Calais' and 'Adam and Eve' amidst lush greenery or under the changing sky. The garden's design encourages visitors to appreciate not just the individual artworks but also the overall aesthetic experience, where nature and sculpture engage in a subtle dialogue.
Exploring 'The Gates of Hell'
At the Rodin Sculpture Garden, 'The Gates of Hell' is a central piece, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with its dramatic narrative. The sculpture invites prolonged contemplation, with each figure telling a story of its own. It's a powerful testament to Rodin's ability to capture the depths of the human condition in a single, colossal work.



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