The Burghers of Calais (Rodin)
Rodin's monumental bronze sculpture depicting six citizens who sacrificed themselves to save their city.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds
The Burghers of Calais (Rodin)
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rodin's monumental bronze sculpture depicting six citizens who sacrificed themselves to save their city.
"Struck by the emotional detail in each figure—the expressions and posture tell a deep, human story of sacrifice and courage. "
Learn the Story First
Understanding the historical sacrifice behind the sculpture enhances its impact. :book:
Walk Around the Sculpture
Appreciate the detailed expressions and postures from all angles. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Six Burghers
Stanford University Campus
Six bronze figures embodying despair, courage, and resignation. Each face tells a story of sacrifice.
Emotional Realism
Stanford University Campus
Rodin's masterful depiction of raw human emotion, pain, and connection between subjects.
Historical Narrative
Stanford University Campus
A poignant commemoration of the wealthy citizens who volunteered to surrender to save their city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Sacrifice
Best Viewing Light & Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Learn the Story First
Understanding the historical sacrifice behind the sculpture enhances its impact. :book:
Walk Around the Sculpture
Appreciate the detailed expressions and postures from all angles. :camerawithflash:
Visit the Cantor Arts Center
Explore more Rodin works and related exhibits at the nearby museum.
Morning/Evening Light is Best
Golden hour lighting makes the bronze glow beautifully.
Tips
from all over the internet
Learn the Story First
Understanding the historical sacrifice behind the sculpture enhances its impact. :book:
Walk Around the Sculpture
Appreciate the detailed expressions and postures from all angles. :camerawithflash:
Visit the Cantor Arts Center
Explore more Rodin works and related exhibits at the nearby museum.
Morning/Evening Light is Best
Golden hour lighting makes the bronze glow beautifully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Burghers of Calais at Stanford to be a profoundly moving and powerful sculpture, praised for its emotional detail and historical significance. Many appreciate its placement and the opportunity to learn the story behind the sacrifice. Some note that tourists sometimes fail to grasp the sculpture's deep meaning.
"Auguste Rodin – The Burghers of Calais at Stanford University is a powerful and moving sculpture located near the Cantor Arts Center. We visited as a family and were struck by the emotional detail in each figure—the expressions and posture tell a deep, human story of sacrifice and courage.
It’s beautifully placed in an open plaza, making it easy to walk around and appreciate from all angles. Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and a quieter experience. A must-see for art lovers and anyone exploring the Stanford campus. Free and open to the public!"
Pezhman Raeisian
"Beautiful statue. Take a while to learn the story behind it. It's not just a random group of people. It has a meaning, a sacrifice. It always irks me when clueless tourists pose next to this sculpture making funny faces or peace signs...they don't know what this sculpture means. It has historical significance of a group of wealthy citizens who were willing to sacrifice their lives during the siege of Calais so that the rest of the citizens would be spared. In the end they were not executed, but it speaks to their courage and torment at the same time."
Joanna Margueritte Nurmis
"Rodin sculptures at the courtyard of Stanford university , there is also a nearby museum having many Rodin statues."
Subhankar Das
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sculpture is located on the Stanford University campus, near the Cantor Arts Center. Visitors can typically access the campus via car, with parking available in nearby lots. Public transportation options to Stanford are also available.
Yes, there are several parking lots and garages on the Stanford campus. Check the university's parking services for the most up-to-date information on locations and fees.
Absolutely! The Burghers of Calais is an outdoor sculpture and is freely accessible on the campus grounds, separate from museum admission.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Burghers of Calais is an outdoor sculpture on the Stanford campus and is free to view.
As an outdoor sculpture, it can be viewed at any time, though daytime hours are recommended for best visibility and safety.
There is no admission fee to see The Burghers of Calais. It's a public art installation on campus.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
It depicts six prominent citizens of Calais who offered their lives to King Edward III of England in 1347 to spare their city from destruction during the Hundred Years' War.
Allow at least 30 minutes to fully appreciate the sculpture, read about its history, and take photos.
Yes, the Cantor Arts Center on campus houses a significant collection of Rodin sculptures, including 'The Thinker.'
The sculpture is located in an open plaza area, which is generally accessible for wheelchairs.
Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. Experiment with different angles to capture the emotional depth of each figure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the nearby Cantor Arts Center, which often has more accessible exhibits and can provide a broader context for Rodin's work. The open plaza around the sculpture also allows children some space to move around, making the visit more comfortable. Remember to explain the historical context in an age-appropriate manner to avoid overwhelming them.
🏛️ Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
+1History buffs will find the sculpture's narrative compelling. Understanding the historical context of the siege of Calais and the burghers' sacrifice adds layers of meaning to the viewing experience. Visiting the Cantor Arts Center afterward can provide further insights into Rodin's oeuvre and the historical period.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Sacrifice
+1Rodin chose to depict these men not as idealized heroes, but as deeply human individuals grappling with immense fear, despair, and a sense of duty. The sculpture's placement on the ground, rather than on a pedestal, invites viewers to stand among them, fostering a powerful sense of empathy and connection. This approach was revolutionary for its time, breaking from traditional heroic monument styles and focusing on the raw, psychological impact of the event.
+1The Burghers of Calais is not just a historical monument; it's a profound exploration of sacrifice, civic responsibility, and the human condition. The detailed musculature, the anguished expressions, and the dynamic postures all contribute to its overwhelming emotional power. It's a testament to Rodin's genius in capturing the inner turmoil of his subjects.
Rodin's Sculptural Innovation
+1His focus on human anatomy and emotion was unparalleled. In The Burghers of Calais, the exaggerated proportions of the hands and feet, the contorted postures, and the deeply etched facial expressions all serve to convey the immense psychological burden carried by the subjects. This departure from academic conventions initially drew criticism but ultimately redefined the possibilities of sculpture as an art form.
+1Rodin's influence is undeniable, paving the way for subsequent modernist movements. His ability to imbue bronze with such palpable emotion and narrative depth continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Seeing his work, like The Burghers of Calais, offers a direct connection to the evolution of art and the enduring power of human expression.
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