The Burghers of Calais
A monumental bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin, depicting six citizens who offered their lives to save Calais in 1347.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Softer light for photos
The Burghers of Calais
Best Time
Softer light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin, depicting six citizens who offered their lives to save Calais in 1347.
"A powerful and moving testament to courage and sacrifice, beautifully set before the town hall."
🚶♂️ Walk Around the Figures
Experience the sculpture from all angles to fully appreciate Rodin's detailed work. :athletic_shoe:
📖 Learn the History
Research the story of the Burghers before your visit for a deeper connection. :book:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Six Burghers
Outside Calais Town Hall
Six bronze figures, each conveying profound despair and heroism in their final moments.
Emotional Realism
The Burghers of Calais sculpture
Rodin's masterful portrayal of human suffering and courage, capturing individual anguish.
Calais Town Hall Setting
Adjacent to the sculpture
The imposing architecture of the town hall provides a dramatic backdrop to the historical figures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Story
Location & Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Walk Around the Figures
Experience the sculpture from all angles to fully appreciate Rodin's detailed work. :athletic_shoe:
📖 Learn the History
Research the story of the Burghers before your visit for a deeper connection. :book:
📸 Capture the Mood
Use natural light to emphasize the somber and heroic expressions. :camerawithflash:
📍 Near Town Hall
Combine your visit with the nearby beffroi for a fuller historical experience. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Walk Around the Figures
Experience the sculpture from all angles to fully appreciate Rodin's detailed work. :athletic_shoe:
📖 Learn the History
Research the story of the Burghers before your visit for a deeper connection. :book:
📸 Capture the Mood
Use natural light to emphasize the somber and heroic expressions. :camerawithflash:
📍 Near Town Hall
Combine your visit with the nearby beffroi for a fuller historical experience. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the powerful emotional impact and historical significance of The Burghers of Calais. The sculpture's realistic portrayal of human suffering and heroism, set against the backdrop of the Calais Town Hall, is frequently highlighted as a moving experience. While the subject matter is somber, its artistic merit and historical importance are widely appreciated.
"I like the garden in front of , and the amazing building."
Alaa B. A
"Amazing views, and an incredibly beautiful building!"
Werner Keet
"Amazing olympic themed garden next to the statues also surrounded by beautiful flower beds"
Monica Stringer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sculpture is located in the heart of Calais, directly in front of the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). If you are arriving by car, there is parking available nearby. Public transport options are also accessible, with bus stops close to the town hall.
Yes, it's a very prominent landmark situated in a central square, making it easy to spot. Its location next to the Town Hall serves as a clear point of reference.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Burghers of Calais is an outdoor public sculpture and can be viewed and admired freely at any time. There is no admission fee.
To avoid crowds and capture the best light for photos, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon. The sculpture is accessible 24/7, but these times offer a more serene experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Experiment with different viewpoints. Walking around the sculpture allows you to capture the individual expressions and the collective despair. The Town Hall provides a grand backdrop.
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged. Capture the powerful emotions and historical significance of Auguste Rodin's masterpiece.
🎫 🏛️ Nearby Attractions
The sculpture is right next to the impressive Calais Town Hall and its beffroi (bell tower), which is worth exploring. The surrounding area also features gardens and is close to other city amenities.
While you can admire the exterior of the Town Hall and its beffroi, access to the interior may be limited to specific events or guided tours. Check locally for current visitor information.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance
Rodin's approach was revolutionary for its time. Instead of depicting idealized heroes, he focused on the raw, human suffering and psychological depth of his subjects. The figures are not presented on a grand pedestal but are placed at ground level, inviting viewers to confront their plight directly. This placement emphasizes their vulnerability and the immense weight of their sacrifice, making the artwork a profound meditation on courage, civic duty, and the human cost of war. The Burghers of Calais history is deeply intertwined with the city's identity, serving as a constant reminder of its resilience and the bravery of its people.
Auguste Rodin's Artistic Vision
Rodin's sculptor techniques are evident in the textured surfaces and the dynamic poses that convey a sense of movement and internal struggle. The Rodin sculpture The Burghers of Calais is celebrated for its departure from classical norms, embracing a more naturalistic and emotionally charged aesthetic. This Auguste Rodin sculpture is not just a depiction of a historical event but a powerful exploration of human nature under extreme duress, making it a cornerstone of modern art. The artist's dedication to capturing authentic emotion is what makes this work so enduringly impactful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit