Summary
Introduction to the Rodin Museum
Opened in 1919 in the private Parisian mansion where French sculptor Auguste Rodin assembled his greatest works, the Rodin Museum is dedicated to the intricate life and oeuvre of one of France’s most celebrated artists. The permanent collection at the main Paris site features several masterpieces, including “The Thinker”, alongside lesser-known works by Rodin himself, his talented student Camille Claudel, and others. Moreover, temporary exhibits delve into underappreciated facets of the artist’s work. The Rodin Museum is also renowned for its expansive and breathtaking sculpture garden, an enchanting space perfect for leisurely strolls and thoughtful reflection.
There exists a secondary site for the museum in Meudon, located just outside Paris, which showcases plaster and wax studies of many of Rodin’s most significant works. Therefore, avid admirers of Rodin should first visit the main site in Paris, and then consider an excursion to the Meudon branch to gain deeper insights into how Rodin honed his artistic vision.
Temporary Exhibits
The Musee Rodin frequently presents temporary exhibits that probe into specific aspects of Rodin’s artistry, his collaborations, and his influences with fellow artists, among other themes. For a comprehensive list of current temporary exhibits at the museum, visit this page.
Highlights from the Permanent Collection
The permanent collection encompasses over 6,000 sculptures, many displayed at the museum’s secondary site at Meudon. These artworks are crafted from bronze, marble, plaster, wax, and other materials, with the plasters located in Meudon and the completed sculptures in marble and bronze at the main Hotel Biron site in Paris.
The sculpture collection at Hotel Biron features some of Rodin’s most cherished masterpieces, including The Kiss, The Thinker, Fugit Amor, Thought, as well as a series of sculptures depicting the renowned French writer Honoré de Balzac. Additionally, the collection includes fifteen notable works from Camille Claudel, Rodin’s gifted student and paramour.
Moreover, the collection at the Hotel Biron encompasses sketches, paintings, and photographs that served as models during Rodin’s creative process, accompanied by an extensive archival collection.
The Sculpture Garden at the Museum
Entrance to the lush sculpture garden located behind the main museum requires a nominal fee; however, visiting on a sunny day makes the additional cost worthwhile. Spanning over three hectares, the sculpture garden features numerous monumental bronze works by Rodin, as well as various marble busts and statues dating back to Roman antiquity. Furthermore, the garden is adorned with diverse plants and flowers, promenades shaded by linden trees, and includes a restaurant and café.
Major Works From Rodin in the Garden
- The Thinker (large-scale, bronze)
- The Burghers of Calais (studies, bronze)
- Orpheus
- The Gates of Hell
Location and Contact Information
Address: 79, rue de Varenne, 7th arrondissement
Phone: +33(0)1 44 18 61 10
Metro: Varenne (line 13), Invalides (line 8 or 13); RER: Invalides (line C); Bus: 69, 82, 87, 92.
Information on the Web: Visit the official website (in English)
Sights and Attractions Near the Museum
- Eiffel Tower
- Musée d’Orsay
- Les Invalides
Opening Hours
The museum, garden, and shop are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
The museum remains closed on Mondays and on specific holidays: January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Tickets and Admission
- Free admission for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month from October through March.
- Free entry for visitors under age 18.
- Free entrance for visitors aged 18-25 who are residents of the EU.
- Admission is free for disabled visitors.
- Unemployed visitors receive complimentary access.
- Various French teachers, students, artists, journalists, and art critics also enjoy free entry.
For the latest information regarding tickets and admission discounts at the Musee Rodin, consult this page at the official website. The Paris Museum Pass includes access to the Rodin Museum.
