Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts

The Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts, commonly known as the Cantor Arts Center, is an art museum on the campus of Stanford University in Stanford, California. It is known for its comprehensive collection that spans continents, cultures, and 5,000 years of art history.

History

The museum was originally founded in 1891 by Leland Stanford and Jane Stanford as a memorial to their only child, Leland Stanford Jr., who died of typhoid fever in 1884. The original museum was designed to house the art collections that the Stanfords had collected during their European travels. The museum has undergone several renovations and expansions since its inception, most notably a major renovation and expansion in 1999, which was made possible by a significant donation from Iris and B. Gerald Cantor, the museum's namesakes.

Collections

The Cantor Arts Center boasts a diverse and extensive collection of artworks. Its holdings include a significant number of works from Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as contemporary American art. The museum is particularly noted for its collection of Rodin sculptures; it has one of the largest collections of Rodin bronzes outside Paris, housed in the adjacent Rodin Sculpture Garden.

1. 1. 1. Highlights of the Collection

- **European Art**: The museum's European art collection includes works from the Renaissance to the 19th century, featuring artists such as Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, and Pablo Picasso. - **Asian Art**: The Asian art collection is comprehensive, including works from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia, spanning several millennia. - **Contemporary Art**: The contemporary art collection includes works by American and international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. - **Special Exhibitions**: The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions that bring artworks from around the world, providing diverse cultural and artistic perspectives.

Education and Outreach

The Cantor Arts Center is committed to education and outreach, offering a variety of programs aimed at engaging students, faculty, and the wider community. These programs include guided tours, lectures, workshops, and family events that are designed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of art.

Facilities

In addition to the galleries, the Cantor Arts Center includes educational spaces, a conservation lab, and a café. The adjacent Rodin Sculpture Garden offers a tranquil environment where visitors can enjoy art in a natural setting.

See Also

• Stanford University
• Art museum
• Rodin Sculpture Garden
• Leland Stanford