The expansive
Rodin exhibit, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak, 816-751-1278) through June 3, features 40 of the French Expressionist's sculpted monoliths, which simultaneously take your breath away and make you want to go to the gym more often. Favorites like
The Thinker are spotlighted along with other creepier works, including a series of gigantic disembodied hands. And though the exhibit's
Gates of Hell section doesn't include Rodin's titular masterwork (a nearly 20-foot-tall sin-encrusted bronze portico), it does contain individual figures from it, including the lurid
Torso of Despairing Adolescent. Visitors can use their smartphones in the exhibit to learn more about the pieces, and they can also get their hands on bronze casting materials. Teacher-led classes on how Rodin sculpted, cast, enlarged and reproduced his works are held during weekends through April. The Nelson-Atkins is open today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. See
nelson-atkins.org for more hours and information.
— Micah Gutweiler
816-751-1278
