Free Cantor Art Musuem and Stanford's Sculpture Garde

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Stanford’s Free Cantor Museum and sculpture garden

Which University began following the death of a child? (Stanford University)

Which artist married his girlfriend after 53 years, then died two weeks after the wedding?(Auguste Rodin)

Read on to find out why you should explore the interesting Cantor Museum and the outdoor sculpture center at Stanford. Discover the very interesting lives of a famous sculpture and university founders.

The beginnings of Stanford University began with a very wealthy and successful man: Leland Stanford. He lived a luxurious and full life. He owned two wineries, became governor of California, (halving the debt), served as a senator, helped construct California’s railroad system and started Stanford University.

A son dies
Jane and Leland were married for 18 years before they finally had a child. Jane was 39 years old when she gave birth. Tragically, at 15 years Leland Stanford Jr. fell ill with typhoid fever and died. What's so amazing is the parents, instead of turning to a life of depression and sadness, set their mind to a great purpose: "The children of California shall be our children." And Stanford University was born.

Jane’s Journey to sell Jewelry
Leland’s wife, Jane even contributed financially to the university by selling off her jewelry, and eventually their mansion.
In the museum you can see a painting of her famed Jewelry collection before it was sold.

After exploring a little of the Cantor museum, head out of the building to the sculpture garden. Here you will see the collection of Rodin’s work.

Feast your eyes upon the Gates of Hell, a project that took Rodin two decades to complete. This popular masterpiece was inspired by Dante’s Inferno, in which Dante takes a trip to the nine Circles of Hell, in which he sees various sinners and their shocking condemnation.

Some interesting Circles of Hell include:
The lobby/vestibule in which the those that their lives for themselves are left to chase a banner while running on a swarm of maggots.

Stingy people and spend thrift sinners spend the rest of their death dragging bags of rocks back and forth.

Other famous Rodin sculptures you will see:
The Thinker
The Kiss
Burghers of Calais