Shizuoka Museum of Art's Rodin Wing

A room dedicated to the French master of sculpture

By Peter Sidell

Community writer

Close-up on some detail from "The Gates of Hell".

There are a couple of rooms showing work by other sculptors influenced by Rodin.

Aerodinbics? An exercise regime based on the poses of Rodin's sculptures.

The high ceiling and tiered layout create a hushed atmosphere.

On the floor in front of "The Gates of Hell"

Another sculpture by a different artist showing Rodin's influence.

... and, more of the "Burghers of Calais"...

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.