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Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford University

Explore the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside Paris in a serene garden setting at Stanford University. Open 24/7 and always free.

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The Rodin Sculpture Garden, adjacent to the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, is home to the largest collection of Auguste Rodin's sculptures outside of Paris. Open 24/7, it offers a unique opportunity to view masterpieces like 'The Gates of Hell' in a tranquil outdoor setting.

A brief summary to Rodin Sculpture Garden

  • Monday 11 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekends for free parking at Stanford University, but reserve your spot online early.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Cantor Arts Center and the Anderson Collection to explore a wider range of artistic styles and periods.
  • Check the Stanford University events calendar for special events or performances taking place in or near the Rodin Sculpture Garden.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Palo Alto Transit Center (Caltrain/bus hub), walk west along University Avenue towards Stanford University. Continue for approximately 20-25 minutes until you reach the campus entrance. Follow signs directing you towards the Cantor Arts Center, located at the intersection of Museum Way and Lomita Drive. The Rodin Sculpture Garden is situated adjacent to the Cantor Arts Center. The walk is straightforward and well-signed.

  • Public Transport

    From the Palo Alto Transit Center, take the free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle. Several lines serve the campus, including lines C, P, or X. Check the Marguerite Shuttle schedule for the most up-to-date routes and times. Disembark at a stop near the Cantor Arts Center, such as the 'On Roth Way @ Rodin Sculpture Garden' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the garden. The Marguerite Shuttle is free and operates on weekdays (limited service on weekends). Alternatively, from the transit center, VTA bus lines 281, DB, or P Line will take you to the Stanford Oval. VTA bus fare is $2.50.

  • Driving

    From El Camino Real, turn onto University Avenue towards Stanford University. Continue onto Palm Drive and follow signs to visitor parking areas near the Cantor Arts Center. Parking is limited and managed through the ParkMobile app. Rates are typically $1.50 per hour. After parking, walk towards the Cantor Arts Center; the Rodin Sculpture Garden is located adjacent to the museum. Note that parking on campus can be challenging during peak hours, especially on weekdays.

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Discover more about Rodin Sculpture Garden

The B. Gerald Cantor Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford University provides an unparalleled encounter with the works of Auguste Rodin. This outdoor museum, situated next to the Cantor Arts Center, houses the most extensive collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris. Since its opening in 1985, the sculpture garden has been accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, creating a unique space where art and nature intertwine. The garden's design, inspired by the Bagatelle Gardens in Paris, features meticulously landscaped grounds with gravel paths and towering cypress trees, offering a tranquil setting for contemplation. Within this single acre, twenty monumental bronze sculptures stand as testaments to Rodin's mastery. Among them are some of his most celebrated creations, including 'The Walking Man,' two heads from 'The Burghers of Calais,' 'Adam,' 'Eve,' and 'The Three Shades'. Each sculpture is carefully positioned within the garden, inviting viewers to engage with Rodin's artistic vision from multiple perspectives. Visually anchoring the garden is 'The Gates of Hell,' a massive and complex work cast in 1981 using the lost-wax process. This imposing sculpture, teeming with figures writhing in torment and ecstasy, serves as a powerful representation of Rodin's exploration of human suffering and redemption. The sculpture's intricate details and emotional intensity offer a captivating experience for those who take the time to study its many layers. The Rodin Sculpture Garden stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, provoke, and transform.

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