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Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

Explore 5,000 years of art at Stanford's Cantor Arts Center, home to a renowned Rodin collection and free admission for all visitors.

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The Cantor Arts Center, located on the Stanford University campus, offers an outstanding cultural experience for visitors of all ages. With collections spanning 5,000 years, including a renowned Rodin sculpture garden, the museum provides a rich exploration of art from around the globe. Admission is free, making it accessible to all.

A brief summary to Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-8 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Admission is free, but check the museum's website for current hours and any special exhibitions.
  • Visit the Rodin Sculpture Garden to see an impressive collection of the artist's works.
  • Parking on campus is limited; consider using public transportation or the free Marguerite Shuttle.
  • Take a docent-led tour to learn more about the museum's collections and history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Stanford's campus, such as near the Main Quad, the Cantor Arts Center is easily accessible by foot. Head west along the paved pathways, following signs for the arts district. The museum is located at the intersection of Museum Way and Lomita Drive. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    From the Palo Alto Transit Center (Caltrain and bus hub), take the free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle. The 'X' and 'SE' lines have stops close to the Cantor Arts Center. Get off at the Roth Way @ Rodin Sculpture Garden stop, which is a 2-minute walk to the museum. The Marguerite Shuttle is free. Alternatively, take SamTrans bus route 281. A single ride fare is around $2-$3. Check SamTrans website for the most up-to-date pricing.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Embarcadero Road exit west towards Stanford. Embarcadero turns into Galvez Street as it enters the university. Turn right onto Campus Drive, then left onto Lomita Drive; the museum will be on your right. Parking is limited and managed through ParkMobile. The closest visitor parking is on Lomita Drive (ParkMobile Zone #7211) and in the Roth Way Parking Garage (ParkMobile Zone #7201). Parking rates vary, typically around $3-4 per hour during weekdays. Weekend parking is often free. Check the Stanford Transportation website for current rates and ParkMobile instructions.

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Discover more about Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University is a dynamic institution with a rich history, founded in 1891. Originally established to showcase the Stanford family's collection, it has grown into a premier arts destination in the South Bay. The museum's encyclopedic collection spans 5,000 years and includes over 44,000 artworks, inviting visitors to journey through time and across continents. The Cantor is particularly renowned for housing one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin's sculptures outside of Paris and Mexico City. The Rodin Sculpture Garden features 199 of his works, primarily in bronze. In addition to Rodin, the museum's holdings include American and European paintings, as well as antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, and the Americas. The museum suffered significant damage in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, leading to a period of decline. However, it was revived in the mid-20th century and underwent a major renovation and expansion in the 1990s, reopening in 1999 as the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts. The Cantor continues to serve as a vital resource for teaching and research on campus, offering free admission, tours, lectures, and family activities.

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