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Cantor Arts Center
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
328 Lomita DrPalo Alto, CA 94305
(650) 723-4177
- Hours:
Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am - 5 pm
Thu 11 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
126 reviews for Cantor Arts Center
Review Highlights
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"I love to wander through the Rodin sculpture garden." In 28 reviews -
"However, Rodin's Gates of Hell blows me away every time." In 24 reviews -
"Nice museum tucked away inside the stanford campus." In 9 reviews
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126 reviews in English
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Review from Allison M.
Palo Alto, CA
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really like this museum! They have some cool exhibits, and of course the Rodin collection is absolutely magnificent. I also love all the stuff from the Stanford family. Too cool!
It's important to remember, especially for the social scientists and humanists on campus, that the museum is framed as an art museum, not an ethnographic or science museum, so the more culturally-oriented galleries can seem somewhat thin or decontextualized. You have to appreciate the contents presented as they are, as art objects.
I love that they're free, and I just wish they were open on Mondays or Tuesdays. You know it's a good thing when your only real complaint is that you wish they were open *more!* -
Review from Jon T.
4/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not a huge selection here, but it is near the Rodin garden (which is free) and Cantor Arts Center is also free on Sundays and one or two other nights (I think.) When I was there, I checked out the classical wing (duh) and there were some cool vases and a few pieces of sculpture. The modern wing looked like it had some interesting pieces, but I didn't have time to swing through there.
Definitely worth a look if you're at stanford. -
Review from Tracy M.
Seattle, WA
3/28/2012 1 photo
What a delightful discovery. Just driving through to see the campus, in town for work. In search of a restroom, we stopped at the museum. Fantastic to discover that admission was FREE! (I think they charge Fri/Sat, but free Sun through Thus is pretty sweet). Staff/volunteers were lovely. We only had 30 minutes, but it was lovely. The African art collection is small (just 3 rooms) but it's thoughtfully curated. Nice historical span, some interesting discussion pieces and signage, and it was really refreshing to see some CONTEMPORARY African art. Well done.
The Rodin collection is pretty fantastic. A gorgeous rotunda with The Thinker at center stage. Then two other rooms, offering lots of details and a large variety of works. Good signage and information provided. Nice and bright, and most pieces are displayed in ways allowing you to walk around and view from all angles. Thank you! The outdoor sculpture gardens are a treat. I'm a sucker for sculpture gardens because they help break up the reverential/library feel of interior museum pieces. It gets visitors to interact with the pieces in different ways. On this Sunday afternoon there were some children running around hooting and hollering, a young woman on a bench with sketch pad and colored pencils, couples wandering, folks standing contemplatively, a few people rubbing the heads of the busts, and a nice crowd in front of the gates. Lovely treat. Thanks Stanford! -
Review from Catherine Y.
Cupertino, CA
1/16/2012
Before I go into my review, I feel obligated to say that I'm not a major art buff, so I don't know much about art at all and don't have a discriminating eye for appreciating art. So, I got to check out this museum with little background knowledge on art.
However, I had a good time! I love that the museum is free. I personally think that museums should be free (growing up, I thought that's how museums were meant to be, but we all know to visit a museum it can potentially be very pricey). So this was definitely a plus factor for the whole experience.
They had exhibits covering art from all over the world. They also have a small shop and a small cafe which was closed the time I went. Their Rodin exhibit includes exhibits inside the museum as well as the garden outside. Personally I've only heard of Rodin because of his well-known sculpture, The Thinker. But the fact that it's free and they have a garden and so many exhibits adds another level of "like" to the experience. Right outside the museum there's also a snake-like stone river, which I thought was super fascinating to see.
It wasn't super crowded either, which I liked, so another plus factor.
All in all, this is a legit museum that's free. I left knowing I'd want to go back for another visit. -
Review from Claire W.
2/6/2012
This is my favorite local museum for the following reasons:
1. It's on Stanford campus near the Memorial Church and the Main Quad. This is a great place to take a walk or take photos on a nice day. So you not only get to see the art at their art museum, you can also have a nice walk outdoors with beautiful scenary of the campus.
2. The admission is free! For what you get to see there this is a great deal! I especially love the big collection of Rodin's sculptures. The most famous piece, "The Thinker" is here too! Also the famous piece "The Hell's Gate" right outside the museum is a great piece of art work too.
Their permanent collection also includes some fine pieces of art work and has a little bit of everything: from European paintings, African tribal artifacts, Egyptian art pieces, Japanese painting and art, to Chinese art work, as well as some contemporary art work. You also get to learn a little about the history of Stanford University by looking at the permanent exhibit of Mr. Stanford and his family's portraits.
From time to time they have special exhibits that are also worth visiting. Currently they have the photography exhibit of the American photographer, Walker Evans. I went there yesterday to see it and was thoroughly fasincated by his work and the humanity in it. There is a cafe and bookstore/gift shop at the museum as well. I highly recommend going to vist this museum!!Listed in: Leisure time
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Review from Constance C.
East Bay, CA
1/16/2012
Pretty cool museum because 1) the architecture is pretty amazing and 2) it's free (no, not just the admission, the parking is too, if you go on the weekend)!
For the price of nothing, you definitely get to see a diverse collection of work, literally a worldwide body of work. From masks of Africa to the oil canvas paintings of Europe to the china of China to the cakes of Wayne Thiebaud, there's a little bit of everything for everyone.
Even though I'm more of a fan of modern art, I still liked this museum a lot. The building is pretty amazing and it's cool how you can walkthrough exhibits without having to backtrack through full rooms of things you've already seen. I really like how it flowed that way because backtracking is one of my major pet peeves.
The Rodin Sculpture Garden was pretty cool too, it even trumps the one at LACMA in my book. Though I gotta admit I did like the exhibits in LACMA a lot more, granted LACMA also isn't free.
I wasn't a fan of their special exhibits (no photography allowed, not that that was a major deal for me because I didn't like them at all), to the point where I can't even remember what they are and cannot be bothered to check the website.
Definitely worth a trip because it's free but I also find that it has a great collection of works you can't even find in one single museum in SF. I would even go as far to say that it's similar to a mini-Metropolitan Museum of Art just because of the diverse collection, up to the facade of the building. But even then, it doesn't compare to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but it's good for a Bay Area museum, even though that doesn't say much, so for that I give 4 stars.Listed in: Get Cultured!
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Review from Richard G.
Fremont, CA
2/5/2012
This place is a pretty cool place. Probally one of the best in the bay and its right on Stanford campus.
It has the largest collection of Rodin outside of Paris. If you have been to the Rodin in Philadelphia, it seems like twice as large for a collection. They have a wonderful sculture garden just outside. Don't miss the gates of hell, the thinker is back, and you have to walk a little on campus to see the Calis sculpture, near the Chapel.
There is a little mix of everything of african, asian, european art and contemporary art.. But my favorite pieces are a bronze horse that looks like wood, and don't miss the last golden spike of the transcontinental railroad. So cool.
The best part of the museum, its free. -
Review from Anthonio R.
Santa Clara, CA
3/26/2012
Such an awesome museum. I've been here three times and there has been plenty new to see each time. I don't need to say much, since it's all covered in the previous reviews, but I'd come here on a regular basis even if they charged admission, which they don't. Parking is also free. Go on a nice day and explore the campus too. Or go on a not-so-nice day as an inexpensive indoor activity.
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Review from Shubs K.
Palo Alto, CA
1/23/2012
Looking for a cheap and great date/hangout/solitary wandering location? Want to get out but avoid the rain? Cantor is the place to be! It's free! And has great art from around the world! And conveniently located close to the Stanford oval. I've been twice and each time had a blast. They have a Rodin collection that seems pretty fixed and some revolving collections from different places and time periods. The first time I came I saw terrific masks from Africa and ancient carvings from India and of course Rodin's statues.
I came again this past weekend to discover a contemporary art feature upstairs. There's some funk art (aka really eclectic, nontraditional pieces) from the 60s and 70s and awesome displays of more recent artists upstairs. I'm not sure if I missed it the first time or if they just did an excellent job of reorganizing the upstairs space, but there's a huge room filled with canvasses and sculptures (including an unsettling realistic man) to explore. If you go, make sure to check out the huge figure 8 sculpture outside! It's made from steel and is super fun to walk through.
Overall a great place to go, even if you know little to nothing about art (like me) and just want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Pro: little umbrella holders at the entrance! -
Review from Roy E.
I'm not one of those guys who will tell you I like art because either A) I'm looking for acceptance or B) it's something I think "I should" like because it's widely popular. Screw that. I will certainly make it a point to convey that I can definitely appreciate art and it's respective artists. I have certainly been ooh'd and ahh'd by artwork and am even kinda proud to say I've seen Claude Monet's Cathedral artwork in person.
Anyhow... we arrived at Cantor only to realize that it was closed. Ehhh... no big deal for me. We did however get a chance to walk around the museum which displays the largest collection of works in bronze by Auguste Rodin outside of Paris. Cool you say? I dunno... maybe.
When all was said and done... I saw some nice sculptures and took some cool phone pics. Cheers Yelpers and Yelpettes. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Los Angeles, CA
9/26/2011
So you probably want to go to the Cantor to see their amazing collection of Rodins (most in the U.S.!), but please stay to check out their art of the Native Americas. They have a great collection of pieces that span all over the United States, from the Pacific Northwest to Mesoamerica, and east to the Plains and beyond. It's probably the part of the museum I get lost in most.
The museum is free (yes, FREE!) and parking is never, ever a problem, and parking is free after four, so you can pop in for an hour entirely for free before they close, and on Thursdays they even stay open until 8:00!
Photography is okay here, as long as it's not in special exhibitions. Totally cool.
**Edited to add that I'm feelin' pretty special that I've never had a parking issue, but apparently it can get slammed during the week. Good luck!**Comment from anna k. of Cantor Arts Center 10/11/2011
Jennifer, we appreciate your review, but parking is a… More » -
Review from Tina T.
11/1/2011
There's just something about museums that just sucks me in. Cantor was one of those 'OMG, I can stay here for hours!' Located in beautiful Palo Alto near Stanford University, this place is a must free because 1. it's beautiful 2. it's FREE. Hello? Need I say more? :)
Maybe. Only because I enjoyed it that much. There's much to see at the museum and after as well. "The Gates of Hell" was definitely interesting to see and with the many places you can grab food around the museum, you can enjoy a picnic right afterwards with their spacious grounds.
I can't wait to go back! There was a really nice lady that greeted us upon our arrival. She was extremely knowledgable and easy to talk to. Definitely made our experience there more pleasant. -
Review from Kim D.
11/1/2011
I went here this past weekend with my friend who was in town. She's a Cal alum and it took her awhile to even agree but we went 'cuz it was free and I heard it's a nice museum. I was surprised that this place was very large. I was expecting something a lot smaller but this place is fairly large and has a sculpture garden outside as well. The workers here are very nice and love to talk to you about the art and works there if you're interested which is nice.
I was a bit hungry so I couldn't see the whole place but would definitely come again. You can take pictures of all permanent works (which there are lots) and there are some featured/changing ones which you cannot. Definitely a nice place to go to if you're an art buff and even better it's free...
I'd totally go here on a date :) -
Review from Julie S.
Redwood City, CA
3/20/2012
You can't beat this museum; free admission. Yep, I said it's free to get in. If you get a good docent it's even better. And Rodin, Rodin, Rodin is majorly shown here i.e. The Gates of Hell sculpture is amazing; along with many other Rodin pieces that are displayed outside of the museum.
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Review from Pat G.
San Carlos, CA
10/13/2011
What's not to like? It's free, great permanent collections from U.S., Europe, Asia, ancient and modern, plus new shows every few months, great cafe, and you can eat outside on the sculpture garden.
If you go before 4 p.m., it costs $1.50 an hour to park. Go at 4 on a Thursday when they're open late, or on weekends, no charge for parking. -
Review from Milton C.
Hayward, CA
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice museum tucked away inside the stanford campus. generally quiet and has nice art pieces and scuptures. It houses the Stanford family artifacts. has a a section devoted to them.
Only two things about this place is that is closes very early and the security guards are quite a annoyance, they seem to follow you around and told us we couldn't take pics of the large outside bronze sculpture. lay off!! thus I gave them 3 stars.
I'll def try visiting again. -
Review from Chris M.
Palo Alto, CA
7/19/2011 1 photo
1. Fantastic collections!
2. FREE!
3. Easy to access -- located to the right off of Palm Dr. (University Ave.) on the way to the Main Quad.
4. Great staff ready to assist you.
5. Did I say "FREE?!?"
It is great to have access to this eclectic assortment of collections within walking distance! The Rodin collection -- including the magnificent "Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker/The Poet" are worth the trip.
If you are visiting Stanford or Palo Alto, this place is worthy of your time investment! -
Review from Veronica B.
Campbell, CA
Updated - 4/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
So apparently 'The Thinker' is on loan to some university in North Carolina for a few months.... Waah waaaaaah.
However, Rodin's Gates of Hell blows me away every time.
Go and get your inspired on people...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/1/2008
Step inside the Cantor Art Museum for half an hour and step out feeling cultured, refined, and even… Read more »
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Review from Elizabeth J.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
Love the Cantor! It is located in an unassuming building on the Stanford university campus. They have standing exhibits of art from around the world -amazing Rodin sculpture garden, best this side of the Atlantic, not to mention 'The Burghers of Calais' and others located near the quad- and an always interesting rotation of new art...and it is always free!!! Parking is free on weekends but canbe a bit tricky, but not too costly on weekdays.
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Review from Jacqueline C.
Menlo Park, CA
Quite an extensive and fun collection for a university but it IS Stanford after all! It's really amazing that there is no admission fee which makes this a great place just to swing by if you have a little spare time and you're in the area! I am always impressed by their rotating contemporary collection upstairs as well as their constantly changing downstairs exhibits. If you're into more traditional painting they also have a huge area dedicated to your old school detailed landscapes and still lifes. Their Rodin garden is wonderful as well because you can get up close and personal with those lovely oversized features and no one complains if you want to take "interesting" photos with the sculptures haha. Also near the parking lot there's a hidden Andy Goldsworthy piece in the trees. The Cantor Center is a great place to view quality artwork without having to make a trip to the city!
Parking on campus is free after 4 pm! -
Review from gg w.
Flushing, NY
1/14/2012
The tea ceremony was a nice experience.
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Review from Amy K.
3/21/2011
Were I a Rodin fan, this would be a great place; as it stands, I'm not, so I can't say I had great appreciation for the huge number of Rodin sculptures, including the whole garden dedicated to them.
I also wasn't a big appreciator of their modern art collection; I did like some of the Asian pottery downstairs. Admittedly, I ended up coming to the conclusion that I'm pretty Eurocentric in my art preferences while I wandered past things that were probably spectacular if I'd been interested. There were two photography exhibits on display during my visit, the first of which was great, the second of which just irritated me because my photojournalist friend could have easily turned out better work. C'mon, curator.
My favorite part of the museum was definitely the section on the Stanford family itself and their love for Leland Stanford Jr., who died young; call me morbid, but I found the death mask of his face fascinating. The gigantic panting cataloging Jane Stanford's extravagant jewelry collection was fantastic, and I liked the artifacts from the Stanford family's lives, which included some mundane objects as well as weirder stuff (the ears of Leland Stanford Sr.'s favorite racehorse. Ewww). There was also a chair and lamp, with shelves of art books, for visitors who'd like to sit and read.
Overall, next time I visit the campus, I probably won't stop in, but it was a nice way to spend some time.Listed in: the YAY Area!
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Review from Fred T.
Palo Alto, CA
6/27/2011 19 Check-ins Here
Great extensive collection of art here on the Peninsula. There are alot of collection in rotation and the Rodin garden is not to be missed.
Add to the fact that its free and has pretty decent close parking its a no brainer -
Review from BURB G.
1/31/2011
thought the building was absolutely beautiful and thought the exhibits were gorgeous as well. I had more fun here than at SFMOMA.
I would definitely go there again if given the opportunity.
Loved the Rodin sculptures. -
Review from Victoria E.
San Jose, CA
2/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
1. AMAZING art
2. FREE
3. Free parking after 4!
4 Thursday night its open till 8 and there are free lectures you can take advantage of.Comment from anna k. of Cantor Arts Center 2/8/2011
An excellent summary, thank you! Parking is free weekends,… More » -
Review from harsha g.
9/25/2010
I had plenty of meditative moments browsing through this museum. I think I am going to be partial towards it and rate it higher than the De Young in San Frnacisco mainly because of the experience.
The different galleries here do not overwhelm you, they are arranged so that you enjoy them as a whole and individually. I could keep staring at the Rodin collection for a few more years and feel multiple emotions about them. A friend mentioned that this collection is supposedly the largest collection of Rodin outside France and thank God for it, that I could enjoy their beauty and depth.
I liked the present exhibit of Mami Wata, the symbolism associated to being a Water goddess and the influence of the seas on trade are beautifully captured through this exhibit. The many legends of the Mami wata, the influences of the eastern religions on the beliefs in Africa and the forms of worship are all very interesting and educative.
My favorite among the art displayed was the Contemporary pieces displayed in the 'Go Figure' section of the museum and the portrait of Mrs Stanford using Mosiac tiles. I also liked the paintings displayed in the European section and the little pencil sketchbook, and the display of the head with little pain and no pain which is on the terrace.
The cool cafe was crowded, but I liked sitting outside in the sun and enjoyed the combo I had. I had the cauliflower soup and half of deviled egg sandwich. And had chocolate mousse for dessert. Yummy lunch made me sloth around the galleries.
This is by far one of the best museum experiences I have had. Its awesome that its free, has a good cafe and a wonderful collection of art. -
Review from Rachel W.
Mountain View, CA
8/9/2011
Yes, I agree that this is the best kept secret around this area. There're so many things I love about this small museum: entrance is free (yes!); location is great (within the Stanford campus); plenty of parking (even during weekends); lush and beautiful garden; low-key yet full of substance; and wonderful guided tours at regular intervals. Our docent was a middle-age lady named Barbara Newton. She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about this museum and its collection of artwork. Her passion really moved me, and led me to perceive the artwork in a different light.
The most amazing thing about this place is, of course, its fantastic collection of Rodin sculptures. They are both indoors and in the sculpture garden outside. All of them are astonishingly captivating and intriguing. I love Rodin's portrayal of vivid emotions through physical forms. Besides the usual pieces like the Thinker, the Gate of Hell, etc., I find the Burghers of Calais to be especially powerful because the emotions of the 6 statutes are so clearly evident... According to Barbara Newton, the statues represent the 6 citizens who would surrender their lives to Kind Edward III of England so as to spare the city of Calais, France. Every statue stands with the resolution and dignity of a man who has made his decision to sacrifice his life and yet unable to isolate from his fear and anguish. It's very human, very moving... One of the burghers is depicted in deep anguish, almost cowering, with both hands on his head. Another stands tall and grim, almost stoic yet resentful. But most poignant of all is the burgher who glances across his shoulders. At first glance he appeared distracted. But when I stand, as a viewer, to meet from the direction of his gaze, the statue not only appears to be sad but deeply apologetic, as if he was fully aware that he would not be returning ever again. Perhaps he was looking at his wife and was most unwilling to leave. Whoever it was, there's no doubt that Rodin has conveyed not only a visual manifestation of this particular historical event but evoked deep emotions as well. It communicates so well beyond its physical form it's incredibly moving.
This museum has so much to offer. Bring your date! Bring your parents. Your kids. Your family. Bring anyone who's visiting Stanford or Palo Alto. Bring yourself. Relax and absorb the beauty. So You Wanna... Get A Little Culture? Come here! Be happy that you don't have to drive all the way to San Francisco for that. -
Review from Trudy H.
10/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful. Visiting the Cantor Arts Center was an interesting and spiritual experience. I found the Stanford family history display to be so interesting. That room had an interesting ambience. But the main exhibit that I saw, the "Mama Wata" exhibit was complicated, intricate and passionate. Beautiful. A merge of culture, history and visual expression that was powerful is how I saw it.
You will get a hassled if you have a backpack so better to leave it in the car. Also, when I photographed the outside of the building, a psychotic security card came to the door but didn't say anything, only gave me evil looks and folded his arms. You see, for photographers it is a war. Police v. photographers, security v. photographers and TSA v. photographers. We are basically the new minority group to persecute. In fact TSA's newest poster displays a photographer photographing a plane as a terrorist. Not sure when dSLR = Al Kaeda started but that hateful sentiment is here to stay. There are many photographers fighting this, securing attorneys and challenging the suspicions and illegal arrests being made to photographers here and in the UK.
So the art was a beautiful experience. The reminder that I now have a third minority group membership to be concerned with was not pleasurable. Luckily the guard did not verbally harass me or call the police on me, because that is in style now. There is a belief that the price of your gear correlates to terrorist activity so cell phones and point and shoots are fine, not dSLRs though I guess.Comment from anna k. of Cantor Arts Center 4/5/2011
Interesting comment about the guard. The guards don't… More » -
Review from Trinity G.
Fremont, CA
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
The last time I saw Rodin was at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco in 2004. I guess he, along with "The Thinker", now lives on the Stanford campus. I had never before noticed just how provocatively honest "The Gates of Hell" collection is, and I may not have if my BFF Lauren T. never came with to accompany me. I really appreciate this collection in a way I couldn't have when I was 18.
In any case, the Cantor Arts Center is a hidden gem. I am surprised (and happy!) that they don't charge for entry because this museum is outstanding. From their African artifacts to Leland Stanford's portrait to monochromatic modern to Impressionist-style paintings to a rock garden on the terrace, CAC covers an array of different art eras, medium and styles. -
Review from Wilhelm Y.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2010 6 photos
Many who have visited know the Cantor Arts Center (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) at Stanford University as a fascinating place to visit with its beautiful mix of architectural style and seventeen galleries of art to enjoy entirely free of charge, and I can just as easily write about some of my favorite features (http://www.yelp.com/bi... and http://www.yelp.com/bi...) and exhibits of the museum itself, but I've decided to base my review on one of the museum's more popular annual events.
The museum's annual Family Day was held this past Sunday in part through a generous donation from the Koret Foundation. The theme of this year's event was something very meaningful to me, Chinese culture. Chosen to coincide with its current special exhibition [Tracing the Past, Drawing the Future: Master Ink Painters in 20th-Century China], activities for the special Family Day focused on the art, music, dance and storytelling of the Chinese culture.
Several volunteer organizations including One Brick and Hands On Bay Area organized large groups of volunteers to come out to help staff the many activities scheduled. Myself being the volunteer junkie that I am decided I wanted to be part of this event so I signed up through One Brick to be part of volunteer crew. Once signed in we were told that our volunteers would be staffing children's art projects throughout the museum.
The art projects included building a Great Wall, creating opera masks, paper blossom trees, paper lanterns (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), coloring pre-printed dragon drawings and the project of my choosing, creating dragon puppets (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
For our hand puppets we had a checklist and some pre-made puppets for display, and our job was to teach any child who wanted to create their own puppet how to do so. Our involvement varied from child to child, and I found out the best way to determine how much we would help was to ask each individual child directly. I was amazed by how many trusting parents just left their kids with us and walked away, but many parents stayed also to help their child and join in on the fun. Working and teaching younger children isn't a task I'm very familiar with, but I actually enjoyed my duties for the day. In the several hours of working side by side with many preschool children I was quite amazed with their artistic abilities even at their young age. I can honestly say I did not encounter a single bad child throughout the day.
We were told the museum staff didn't anticipate the high attendance for this event. They estimated some 2500 people arrived just in the first hour of the event, but despite the crunch of kids (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) who showed up we handled the masses well, and judging from the smiles on the kids' faces they had a great time too.
What a rewarding way to spend a Sunday afternoon! You can volunteer for future Family Days by contacting the Cantor Arts Center directly.Listed in: Hey, Why Not Volunteer?
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Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2009 3 photos
This is the only museum that makes me teary eyed every time I visit it because of the connection to Leland Stanford Jr., the only son of Leland and Jane Stanford, who died of typhoid fever at the age of 15 in 1884. I get teary eyed whenever I see a black squirrel on campus. According to the school legend, Leland Jr. brought the original pair back from Europe, and they were released after his death.
The museum first opened in 1894, three years after the founding of Stanford University. The architecture of the museum matches that of the buildings in the Main Quad and museum building is also made out of sandstone.
My favorite part of the museum is the Stanford Family Room, where you can view the personal belongings and portraits of Leland Sr. (including his cane and sword), Jane (including a painting of her jewelry collection and velvet slippers) and Leland Jr. (including his death mask and program from his funeral). You can feel the love and anguish of his parents when you see the death mask and the precious objects from his childhood.
I also like the size of the Cantor. It's good for a 2-3 hour visit and has a little bit of everything, objects from all over the world (Asia, Oceania, Ancient Mediterranean, Africa, Europe, America, Native America) and from antiquity to modern day. Some of the standout items (in my opinion) are the Rodin collection, suit of Japanese armor, large collection of Native American woven baskets, totem poles, Alexander Calder mobiles, and the Warhol collection. Some of these paintings are like old friends - I've seen them many times.
Don't forget to visit the Rodin Sculpture Garden outside. I prefer to view the Gates of Hell at night. The garden is illuminated at night. If you have time, walk over to the Main Quad to see some additional Rodin sculptures.
The Cool Café is actually quite good with its emphasis on local, organic, seasonal ingredients.
Parking is $1 for 1 hour or if you want, park on El Camino for free and walk over (it should take 10 to 15 minutes).
I'm amazed that the museum is FREE. -
Review from john-michael c.
Santa Clara, CA
11/30/2009
If she likes it, then I guess I like it.
Brought my home girl here way back when and she liked it. I have to admit that I could neither make heads nor tails out of most of what i saw. Yeah, there was a lot going on here that I was unsure about but all in all the facility was nice. The landscaping is beautiful and the exhibits were over all wonderful. There were a couple of things i did enjoy here and there. I would imagine that i enjoyed those particular ones because they had given me some insight in the development of next design i'm thinking up for my tattooist.
Inspiration can be found everywhere.
;D -
Review from Ann L.
Updated - 3/16/2009
Went again to the Cantor Museum. It's Great cuz it's FREE. We went after our guided tour of Hanna House which is close by.
We didn't stay too long inside the museum though. We saw the exhibit "Timbuktu To Cape Town" on the 2nd floor. I thought it was just ok.
First level is where the Rodin sculptures are. There are more of them so the museum is showing the complete Rodin sculptures. I can't tell which are the ones I didn't see before, but I enjoyed them all. Make sure you go outside for the Rodin sculpture garden - Very cool!
Also, if you have more time don't miss the Outdoor Sculptures at Stanford University. The New Guinea Garden is AWESOME! Get a brochure at the main lobby desk and check it out.
Andy Goldsworthy, Stone River, 2001, is COOL! - close to the Cantor Museum parking lot.
Auguste Rodin, "Burghers of Calais, on the campus - 6 individual bronzes - Cool.
Bathrooms: in the middle of the Main Lobby, Women on Left Side, Men are Right.
Museum hrs:
Wednesday - Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
Thursday 11 am - 8 pm
Parking:
FREE after 4pm and All Weekend! Sweet. Go check it OUT if you haven't been, it's Great.Listed in: cool places that not many have…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2007
I love this museum. It doesn't get enough press but it's GREAT and FREE. I don't go here often… Read more »
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Review from Brad P.
Redwood City, CA
7/13/2007
This review is really about the outdoor Rodin Sculpture Garden.
Right next door to the eminently kid-friendly Cool Cafe, this is a free outdoor sculpture garden full of full-size bronze sculptures from the famous French sculptor Rodin. Here you have The Gates of Hell and many other bronze busts and lifelike human sculptures.
I'm no art historian, but I can tell you that this is a lovely setting and a great place for a casual stroll with a close friend, or simply a place to sit and reflect on the world. If you are a writer or artist yourself, consider coming here for some creative inspiration and some always interesting people watching.
While you're here, you may as well go inside the museum, and see the cool banana sculpture in the inside courtyard of the museum. Very 70s retro cool.Listed in: Family-friendly favorites in…
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Review from Donna Z.
8/24/2007
While still going to community college, I took an Art Appreciation class that's grade was based soley (or about 85%) on attending the class field trips. Finally, a GOOD class!
One of the most memorable trips was to the Cantor Arts Center/Rodin Sculpture Garden. It was unreal. It's hard to believe that someone could come up with some of these things, let alone turn them into a reality (e.g. the enormous "The Gates of Hell", etc).
I left with a feeling of awe and a newfound love of art museums. I really enjoyed touring the place with my class, but I couldn't wait to be left alone to admire everything. Sitting outside on a bench near the Sculpture Garden, I felt the need for a coffee, a book, my glasses, or even just a cigarette *and I don't even smoke*...this place is just THAT cool.
Bonus: It's free! Well...except for parking.Listed in: Bay Area Attractions
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Review from Michelle W.
Los Altos, CA
7/6/2010
I asked my daughter what she wantes to sudy this summer week and she said, "painting. One of the activities I came up with was going to a musuem to sketch some things and to look at paintings and talk about techniques.
This musuem is big enough to spend time in and see a pretty decent breadth of artistry, but not so big that it's overwhelming. They have an amazing Rhodin exhibit.
This museum had a great diversity of techniques to talk about. The stanford family portraits were an interesting study. The brush painting gave us different idea and ended up being our favorite paintings to sketch. We had a good time talking about how we might paint a sculpture by looking at how the light reflected differently off of the shapes. By far my daughter liked the European art the best. The bright colors and the family or courtesans wee her favorites. It was a great place to study whose brush strokes could be seen and whose were practically inivisble.
We also had fun wandering through the Asian/Pacific islander, African and Native American exhibits, comparing styles and sketching different things. My daughter asekd, "Why do they bring all of this stuff and put it in a museum?"
We had this funny moment standing in front of a Picasso with me explaining what an important artists he is and her saying nonchalantly, "I don't like it. Now can we go see those big head sculptures?!?" And all I could think of was the first time I knowingly saw a Picasso- an exhibit of his blue period at the CHicao Art Institure- and how monumental it was for me and here she was being so dismissive of such greatness.
In the end her favorite exhibit was the river, which is technically outside the museum.Listed in: The Kid List, *****STAR STRUCK*****, MUSE see-ums
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Review from .Nette T.
1/26/2010
Free museum admission? Yes.
World class collections? Yes.
Too good to be true? NO.
It is indeed free and definitely worth a visit.
The Cantor Arts Center looks small on the outside but inside it's actually spacious with neo classical architecture.
I really enjoyed the Rodin sculptures (I prefer "The Kiss over "The Thinker," sorry!) as well as the Picassos. There was a balanced collection of Contemporary, European and Asian art.
I really enjoyed my time at the Cantor Arts Center, it was clean, beautiful and FREE. Get thee to Cantor Arts Center now for some culture! -
Review from Mike B.
Mountain View, CA
5/14/2008
One word: FREE.
The is, by far, the best hidden gem in the Bay Area. To have a museum with a no admission - of this caliber - is amazing. The exhibitions are impressive - especially the one last year from Tuareg. And the Rodin collection is the largest outside of France! Since most of the Rodin sculptures are outside, you don't have to be there when the museum is open to enjoy his work...including the impressive Hell's Gate.
Also, and these probably deserve their own reviews, the museum shop and the cafe are first class.Listed in: My 5 Stars
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Review from Trisha V.
San Jose, CA
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was on a time crunch when I came, but everything they had to offer was breath taking. They have a great collection of different arts from places life Africa to paintings from history. There was definitely a lot to see inside the place and even outside. They had sculptures from all over the world, and great photographs.
When visiting, don't forget to check out the gates of hell outside of the museum. It's a definite must see. I would definitely come back to explore more of what this place has to offer, and try their cafe as well. -
Review from Lisa R.
11/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I work on Stanford campus and this is one of my favorite go to places for a stroll at lunch time or when inspiration is needed.
Good rotating collections. Beautiful building, near the Cool Cafe with delicious, but pricey organic choices. Excellent outdoor rodin sculpture garden. Great walk to and from the center.
