For the last nine years of his life, Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), the father of French modern sculpture lived and worked in the exquisite eighteenth-century Hôtel Biron. Located in an inviting three-hectare (eight-acre) Jardin à la Française, just a stone-throw away from Les Invalides in the heart of Paris’ Left Bank, it became the Rodin Museum in 1919. Now, after three years of extensive renovations, the museum recently re-opened its doors.
The Evolution of a Master
The exposition includes never before seen works in plaster.
The eighteen rooms of exhibit space trace the chronology of Rodin’s evolution as an artist, as well as offer a thematic exploration of his work, including some of his never before seen works in plaster. It also displays his own collection of works by his contemporaries, including a room dedicated to his student and lover, Camille Claudel, a superb sculptor in her own rights. Another room holds Rodin’s extensive collection of antiquities, displayed around his seminal Greek-influenced The Walking Man.
The sculpture garden holds some of Rodin’s most famous monumental works.
The beautifully landscaped garden is an ideal backdrop for some of Rodin’s most famous monumental works, including the Gates of Hell, the Burghers of Calais and of course, The Thinker. The garden also includes an above average cafeteria restaurant tucked away in a shaded area at the rear of the property. In addition to its small dining room, it has a large outdoor seating space for a relaxing al fresco lunch in an art-filled setting in the heart of Paris.
Good to Know
- Getting There – There is easy public transportation from anywhere in Paris to the museum: Métro stations Varenne (line 13) or Invalides (line 13, line 8), E.R station Invalides (line C) or Bus numbers 69, 82, 87 and 92.
- Visiting – Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, Paris. http://www.musee-rodin.fr/en. Tickets may be purchased ahead through the website. Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 A.M. to 5:45 P.M. Late night opening on Wednesday until 8:45 P.M. Closed Mondays and some public holidays. Contact: +33 (0)1 44 18 61 10.
- Sculpture Garden – Although the sculpture garden is included in the Museum visit, it is possible to access it and restaurant only for a nominal fee (€4 at the time of my visit).
A Few Souvenirs
Thank you for this remarkable visit in this museum which represent , depict, the French culture so well…
Dennis, thank you for the kind words. I thought the new exhibition layout especially well thought out.
Definitely on my list for a return visit. It’s been many years since I first saw it and was frustrated in my last two attempts, both times it was closed, the last time under renovation. At some point I plan to spend a considerable period of time in Paris researching a forthcoming book. I definitely see it then.
I believe you’ll find it worth waiting for. Looking forward to hear more about the book.
Love the garden here!
Yes, the garden is a special place. It was fortunate that it stayed open during the restoration of the building.
Great photos! Can anyone take photos inside the museum or do you need a permit?
Thank you Jan – Every one can take pictures but, of course, the use of flash is strictly prohibited.