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. 📚
Walk Around the Sculpture
Appreciate the detailed expressions and postures from all angles. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 31 reviews
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. 📚
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. 📚
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
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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.
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