N.C. Museum of Art Hosts Rodin Exhibit

"It's a very impressive tribute to the museum that they were able to put all this together," says visitor Gene Moll.

Visitors to the museum have a rare opportunity to see a landmark collection ofAuguste Rodin'swork.

The first visitors who came through the doors were awed by more than 120 sculptures and drawings which make upthe exhibit.

"I think it's fabulous," says Moll. "It's a wonderful collection from all various sources from Europe and from this county. It's great."

This is the largest Rodin sculpture exhibition ever shown in the Southeast, and the largest seen in the United States in two decades.

"It's really significant for North Carolina because there are some pieces here, like "The Hand of God," which have never been seen in America," says Rebecca Moore of the N.C. Museum of Art.

The museum expects 250,000 people to pass through this exhibit. That is as many visitors as they had during all of 1999.

The Rodin collection anchors a four-month cultural celebration, calledFestival Rodin, at museums all over the Triangle.

"Through the Super Pass, which is only $15, you can get into the Rodin exhibit at North Carolina Museum of Art, you get into four other attractions like the Museum of Natural Sciences, Exploris, and Museum of Sciences in Durham," says Moore.

TheSuper Passcosts $15 for adults and $5 for children ages five through 11. They can be purchased at Harris Teeter stores and other locations around the Triangle.

Regular admissioncosts $7.50 for adults and $5.50 for senior citizens. Children age 12 and under are admitted free.

Festival Rodin runs through August 13.