Rodin Sculpture Garden
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Rodin Sculpture Garden

4.8
·1k reviews·Palo Alto, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful

CrowdLow
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Rodin Sculpture Garden

Rodin Sculpture Garden

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"Gorgeous sculptures in a beautiful setting, a great place for meetings or just to appreciate the art. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Reserve Museum Spot

Book your museum spot online, especially for weekends. :ticket:

🚗 Weekend Parking

Parking is often free on weekends at Stanford. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gates of Hell

The Gates of Hell

Cantor Arts Center

Rodin's monumental masterpiece, a swirling vortex of figures, is a must-see.

Reddit
The Thinker

The Thinker

Outdoor Garden

The iconic contemplative figure, a symbol of intellectual endeavor.

Instagram
The Burghers of Calais

The Burghers of Calais

Outdoor Garden

A powerful depiction of civic sacrifice and heroism.

Reddit
Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve

Outdoor Garden

These striking figures explore themes of creation and humanity.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Access & Timing

The Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford is open all hours, offering a unique opportunity for an early morning or late evening visit. While the museum itself has specific hours, the outdoor garden is accessible anytime. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially if you're aiming for a peaceful art appreciation experience. Reddit

Stanford Campus Navigation

Located on the beautiful grounds of Stanford University, the Rodin Sculpture Garden is part of the Cantor Arts Center. Parking can be free on weekends, but it's wise to check current university policies. Plan your route to the garden within the campus to make the most of your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Doesn’t matter what the groundhog said, its always an “Eternal Spring” with this Rodin bronze. But do you think it’s real or fake? #antiquesroadshow #rodin #sculpture
@roadshowpbs
4.4K likes • 70.3K views

🎯 Reserve Museum Spot

Book your museum spot online, especially for weekends. Reddit :ticket:

🚗 Weekend Parking

Parking is often free on weekends at Stanford. Reddit :car:

Auguste Rodin 1840-1917 François Auguste René Rodin was a French sculptor generally considered the founder of modern sculpture. He was schooled traditionally and took a craftsman-like approach to his work. Rodin possessed a unique ability to model a complex, turbulent, and deeply pocketed surface in clay. #rodin #art #sculptor #genius
@art_dark
564 likes • 18.6K views
On ne s’en lasse pas ! Un aperçu du jardin de sculptures et de l’atmosphère magique à cette période de l’année 🌬️✨ We simply can’t get enough! A little glimpse into the wonderland that is the sculpture garden this time of year 🌬️✨ #letitsnow #icedance #rodin #sculpture #escultura #sculptureart #neige
museerodinparis
5.6K likes • 68.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Walkable & Spacious

Plenty of space to admire art and relax. Reddit :walking:

📸 'Yo' Sign Photo Op

Don't forget to snap a pic at the 'Yo' sign! Reddit :camerawithflash:

The sculpture garden of the Musée Rodin 🌳✨ The museum’s seven-acre garden has several different areas and atmospheres. It is an illustration of the subtle harmony between nature and sculpture. From season to season as the various trees and flowers bloom, the natural setting showcases Rodin’s works to their best advantage. In the warm summer months, a bench in the garden is an ideal spot for enjoy...
wineambassador
0 likes • 689 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Reserve Museum Spot

Book your museum spot online, especially for weekends. Reddit :ticket:

🚗 Weekend Parking

Parking is often free on weekends at Stanford. Reddit :car:

🚶‍♀️ Walkable & Spacious

Plenty of space to admire art and relax. Reddit :walking:

📸 'Yo' Sign Photo Op

Don't forget to snap a pic at the 'Yo' sign! Reddit :camerawithflash:

🌳 Nature & Art Harmony

Enjoy the blend of sculptures with nature's beauty. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Gorgeous sculptures
Beautiful setting
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Disappointing fruit tree
Crowded photo ops

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Admission to the Cantor Arts Center and its sculpture garden is generally free, though reservations may be required, especially on weekends. Reddit

Yes, it is suggested to go online and reserve your spot, particularly if you plan to visit on a weekend. Reddit

Entry to the sculpture garden is typically free, though the museum may have specific ticketing or reservation requirements. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the garden offers ample areas to stand and admire the sculptures or to sit with friends, providing comfortable spots for reflection. Reddit

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. Reddit

It showcases a significant collection of Auguste Rodin's works, highlighting his contribution to modern sculpture, set within the beautiful landscape of Stanford University. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Rodin Sculpture Garden offers a fantastic outdoor experience for families. The open space allows children to move around freely, and the impressive sculptures can spark their imagination. Reddit Key pieces like 'The Thinker' and 'The Gates of Hell' are visually striking and can be a great introduction to art for younger visitors. InstagramReddit Consider making it a fun scavenger hunt to find different figures within the larger works. Remember to reserve museum spots if you plan to visit the indoor exhibits as well. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs

For those passionate about art and history, the Rodin Sculpture Garden is a pilgrimage site. You can spend hours exploring the nuances of Rodin's technique and the profound themes in his work. Reddit The garden's setting on the historic Stanford campus adds another layer of appreciation. Reddit Don't miss the chance to see 'The Gates of Hell' and other significant pieces that have shaped the course of modern sculpture. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Rodin Sculpture Garden provides a stunning canvas for photographers. The interplay of light and shadow on the bronze sculptures, combined with the seasonal beauty of the garden, offers endless creative possibilities. Instagram Capture iconic works like 'The Thinker' against the backdrop of the Stanford campus or focus on the intricate details of 'The Gates of Hell.' InstagramReddit Visiting during the 'golden hour' or on a less crowded weekday can yield the most dramatic and clear shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Auguste Rodin: The Master Sculptor

Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) is widely regarded as the founder of modern sculpture. He possessed a unique ability to imbue his clay models with a sense of raw emotion and dynamic movement, often leaving surfaces textured and expressive. TikTok His approach was deeply rooted in a craftsman-like tradition, yet his innovative techniques and profound psychological insights pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. TikTok Many of his most famous works, including 'The Thinker' and 'The Gates of Hell,' explore complex human emotions and philosophical themes, making his art timeless and universally resonant. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok 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. Reddit

The Harmony of Nature and Sculpture

The Rodin Sculpture Garden is celebrated for its exquisite harmony between art and nature. The seven-acre garden is designed to showcase Rodin's sculptures to their best advantage, with the natural setting evolving through the seasons. Instagram From the vibrant blooms of spring and summer to the stark beauty of winter, the landscape provides a dynamic backdrop that enhances the emotional impact of each piece. Instagram+1

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. Reddit 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. Instagram+1

Exploring 'The Gates of Hell'

Rodin's 'The Gates of Hell' is a monumental bronze portal inspired by Dante Alighieri's 'Inferno.' It is a complex composition featuring hundreds of figures, many of which became independent works, including 'The Thinker.' InstagramReddit The sheer scale and intricate detail of the 'Gates' are awe-inspiring, depicting a swirling vortex of human suffering, desire, and despair. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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