Rodin Museum (Museé Rodin) showcases the life of the acclaimed French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Admire some of his most celebrated creations as well as pieces by his long-term muse Camille Claudel. Peruse paintings, by world-famous artists, that belonged to Rodin’s personal art collection. Opened in 1919, the Rodin Museum welcomes about 700,000 visitors per year.
The museum’s collections spread throughout the halls of Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century mansion used by Rodin as a studio in the early 1900s. The elegant interior, notable for its rococo ornamentation, Corinthian pillars, grand staircases and marble floors, provides a fitting exhibition stage. Nearly 300 of Rodin’s works, including ceramics, drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures are on display. Among the highlights are sculptures called The Cathedral, The Kiss and Young Girl with Flowers in her Hair.
In addition to being a great artist, Rodin was also an enthusiastic collector. Marvel at paintings by masters such as Claude Monet, Eugène Carrière, Renoir and Vincent van Gogh. See Sakountala, a sculpture by the reclusive Camille Claudel, who was Rodin’s mistress and muse. Dedicate some time to studying the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art amassed by Rodin during his time residing in the Parisian suburb of Meudon.
A stroll around the mansion’s immaculate garden is a must for any visitor to the museum. Here find several of the artist’s instantly recognizable works displayed amid colorful rose bushes and perennial trees. Don’t miss The Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell and The Thinker. Additional exhibits are housed inside a restored chapel.
Located in the 7th arrondissement, the museum is easy to reach via the extensive Paris public transportation system. The closest metro station is Varenne, just a 2-minute walk away. Nearby city attractions include the military complexes of École Militaire and Les Invalides.
Rodin Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and charges for admission. Pay a fee to visit all of the exhibitions or a lower amount to see the garden only. An audio guide is available at an additional cost.
