Shizuoka Museum of Art's Rodin Wing

A room dedicated to the French master of sculpture

Peter Sidell Oct 30, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Close-up on some detail from "The Gates of Hell".</p>

<p>There are a couple of rooms showing work by other sculptors influenced by Rodin.</p>

<p>Aerodinbics? An exercise regime based on the poses of Rodin's sculptures.</p>

<p>The high ceiling and tiered layout create a hushed atmosphere.</p>

<p>On the floor in front of "The Gates of Hell"</p>

<p>Another sculpture by a different artist showing Rodin's influence.</p>

<p>One of the "Burghers of Calais"...</p>

<p>... and, more of the "Burghers of Calais"...</p>

A highlight of the Shizuoka Prefectural Art Museum, the Rodin Wing is a lofty, cathedral-like annex dedicated to his sculptures, with a high vaulted ceiling which both provides perfect light and creates a peaceful atmosphere.

As well as numerous sculptures by Rodin himself, including "The Thinker", "The Burghers of Calais" and "The Gates of Hell", there are a number of works by other artists, displayed here to illustrate Rodin's impact and legacy in the world of sculpture. There's also a room with displays on the casting process of bronze sculptures - the explanations are only in Japanese, but the models and photographs give some insight into the sculptor's art - and a small rest lounge showing an entertainingly odd exercise DVD, with moves based on the poses in Rodin's sculptures.

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Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.