The Gates of Hell by Auguste Rodin

The famous "Thinker" by Auguste Rodin can also be found in the Gates of Hell outside the Kunsthaus Zurich (art museum).

The bronze sculpture “The Gates of Hell” by Auguste Rodin has been standing alongside the entrance to the Kunsthaus Zurich (art museum) since 1949. The work is almost 7m tall and weighs 8 tons. It was created by the French sculptor between 1880 and 1917. The bronze sculpture is a vision of the afterlife inspired by Dante’s Inferno from the “Divina Commedia”.

It shows 186 figures grouped around a central "Thinker". Powerful but graceful mythical creatures, people and animals are depicted rising up or falling into hell. The sculpture is realistic, albeit in part deliberately exaggerated to better illustrate the basic emotions of fear, desire and suffering.

Opening Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10.00am – 6.00pm
Wednesday
10.00am – 6.00pm
Thursday
10.00am – 8.00pm
Friday
10.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday
10.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday
10.00am – 6.00pm

Special opening hours during the holidays

Address & Contact

Distance Travel time
Zürich Main Station 1 km 8 min
Zürich Airport 9.1 km 22 min
Map