Exploring the Rodin Museum

posted by Sharon Odegaard 47 Comments
Rodin Museum Paris

The Rodin Museum in Paris in its updated style, houses sculptures, drawings, and work in progress of Auguste Rodin. The museum is in the former Hotel Biron estate, where the artist lived for the last years of his life. The mansion was also home to painter Henri Matisse and dancer Isadora Duncan. Rodin was the only tenant from 1911 until his death in 1918. Here are some of the reasons to explore this museum when you are in Paris.Rodin Museum

The Thinker sculpture lives here

The gardens welcome you to wander and enjoy the sculptures scattered throughout. The Thinker, Rodin’s premier artwork, sits just inside the entrance. It is quite intriguing to come upon this detailed artwork sitting among a ring of brightly colored flowers, hidden by tall bushes until you walk through a clearing. You can move all the way around and view The Thinker from different angles. It’s amazing to stand in the presence of Rodin’s masterpiece.

Rodin MuseumRodin MuseumRodin MuseumFamous sculptures decorate the Rodin Gardens

A rose garden, tree-lined lanes, wide lawns, and terraces make up the garden area. The many bronze versions of Rodin’s iconic works on display include The Monument to the Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell and of course, The Thinker. So even if you’re not a fan of museums, you can find plenty to marvel over here. Rodin MuseumRodin MuseumRodin MuseumRodin MuseumRodin Museum

The museum shows Rodin’s work in progress

Inside the Rodin Museum, the displays are arranged chronologically. You can rent an audio guide that will explain in detail some of the holdings of the museum. I found this helpful, though the guide focuses on only a few pieces in each of the many rooms.

On the ground floor you see examples of the artist’s training. Many sketches and unfinished works are in the museum. This allows you to understand the experiments Rodin used to come up with his final masterpieces. Models and unfinished works give you a glimpse into the creative process. Rodin MuseumRodin MuseumRodin MuseumRodin Museum

Peruse the personal art collection of Rodin

The wide, winding staircase to the upper floor leads to displays showing that Rodin not only produced art but he also collected it. Some of his personal holdings are on display here, such as a painting titled “Père Tanguy” by Vincent Van Gogh.

Rodin Museum

Rodin MuseumRodin Museum

See The Kiss sculpture up close

Rodin’s most modern art is in the last rooms of the tour. Here you will find one of his signature works, The Kiss. The Tate Modern in London has another. This is actually one of a series of three. Rodin himself did not think highly of The Kiss, labeling it a knick-knack. History has judged otherwise.Rodin Museum

Marvel at the privilege of visiting the art here

The museum was created by Rodin in 1916 when he donated to the French state his own work as well as his collections. Rodin wrote, a few years before his death:

“I give the State all my works in plaster, marble, bronze and stone, and my drawings, as well as the collection of antiquities that I had such pleasure in assembling for the education and training of artists and workers. And I ask the State to keep all these collections in the Hôtel Biron, which will be the Musée Rodin, reserving the right to reside there all my life.” Rodin Museum

Because of his generosity, anyone can enjoy Rodin’s art today.

Practical information for your visit to the Rodin Museum

Sitting behind walls, the Rodin Museum is easy to walk by and miss. Look for the hanging red sign in the 7th arrondissement, just across the street from the Invalides, with its very visible golden dome. Rodin MuseumRodin MuseumRodin MuseumThe former chapel now contains the ticket office, a gift shop, and changing exhibits. Open every day except Tuesday, Check the website for more information. Rodin Museum
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Where to stay

Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.

Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)

Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)

Near the Museum of the Liberation of Paris: Hotel Serotel Lutece is in the Latin Quarter, not exactly near the museum. But it is within comfortable walking distance. You can also walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)

Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)

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FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!

Tips for Your First Trip to Paris
Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower
5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens
Paris Gardens to Enjoy
The D’Orsay Museum in Paris
A Walk in the Latin Quarter
Ageless Beauty at Sainte-Chapelle

Explore Paris with these tours!

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47 Comments

Mary Lynn Eisenbarth at

Such a good blog….
Sharon,you are such a gifted writer.

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William Kendall at

Spectacular! I would love to see that museum for myself someday.

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Patrick Weseman at

What a beautiful place. I would love to visit there some day. You took some great pics.

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Su-sieee! Mac at

That Van Gogh paintin, wowza. His colors and that sweet smile on the man. I’m impressed with Rodin making sure a museum was made for the world to see into his mind and soul. You have me wanting to visit his museum.

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Mersad at

Such a stunning place. The gardens are so well kept and the buidling itself amazing. Thank you for linking up with “Through My Lens”

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Margaret Birding For Pleasure at

What a wonderful place to explore and I ot all the art works

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Tamar Strauss-Benjamin at

He was a master! Amazing to see his works in Paris!

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Laurie at

How wonderful! I must visit the next time we are in Paris. We have a Rodin museum in Philadelphia, which I love, but I am sure it is nothing like the one in Paris!

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Noodle cat at

Great photo essay!
Thanks for sharing.

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junieper2/Jesh StG at

Really a treat to share Sharon! who doesn’t know “the Thinker?” And a second thinker:):)
The Kiss is also beautiful! Many thanks for sharing this beauty with all of us and with All Seasons! Jesh

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Carol at

I love Rodin and would love to see the museum in person. Gorgeous photos BTW. I did take a tour of the Rodin statues at Stanford University once but I know it didn’t compare to this.

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Lady Fi at

Wow – so many marvels!

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Linda Walcroft at

Looks like a great museum!

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rupam { xhobdo } at

Awesome pics

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riitta k at

Fantastic photos & great report – thank you so much!

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Rhonda Albom at

I love Rodin’s sculptures. I wish I had time to visit this museum when I was in Paris. It is fortunate that many of his sculptures can be seen throughout the world.

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Sara at

Beautiful photos. I really like the gardens and think they would be enjoyable in the spring. We’re headed to Paris in 3 weeks, so not sure if it will be warm enough yet… but definitely thinking of trying to check out the museum if we have time. We purchased the Museum pass, so there will be no shortage of places to visit. 😉

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Lisa | Handmade in Israel at

I would love to visit this museum! The building, the gardens, the art – there is nothing missing. It must have been a huge, empty place to live in on his own though.

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Esther at

Oh, how lovely. Beautiful photos! I didn’t make it to this museum when I was in Paris, but would absolutely love to visit.
#WanderfulWednesday

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Lady Fi at

What lovely shots – looks like you had a lot of fun there.

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California Globetrotter at

I would much prefer an art gallery that is chronologically organized as then I can see the progress or the different stages the artist went through. #FeetDoTravel

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Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) at

This is one of my favourite museums in Paris so it’s a delight to read your post. I really love the building – it’s the perfect showcase for those beautiful sculptures. Thanks for inspiring my Paris wanderlust on #FarawayFiles

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Sarah at

This is beautiful – thanks for sharing! I actually went to the Rodin museum myself many years ago so it was nice to revisit it in your post 🙂

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Jenn | By Land and Sea at

What a beautiful spot to take in such a great sculpture!

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Alex - My Life Long Holiday at

We loved it here too when we visited a few years ago, brilliant place. And also a lovely little area of Paris. #farawayflies

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Angie (FeetDoTravel) at

Loving those beautiful gardens and sculptures, and Rodin had a Van Gough as part of his personal collection? Wow, and a lovely piece as well. I will be honest, I haven’t heard of this museum until now so thanks for sharing. #feetdotravel

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Sarah at

So delighted to read an article on one of my favourite Parisian museums. The garden is such an oasis of peace in the heart of the city. Lovely photos! #FarawayFiles

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hilary at

We’ve not been to this museum, but have seen some of Rodin’s sculptures in other cities! Who can resist posing with the famous The Thinker! #farawayfiles

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Corey | Fifi + Hop at

I can’t believe I’ve never been to this in Paris! I love sculpture gardens so know I’d like it. How great that he passed on over all his work – what a talent! Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles

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Trish at

I remember going to the Rodin museum with my husband and son in about 2012 I think. We had glorious February weather so my photos of The Thinker also have that wonderful blue sky background. #farawayfiles

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pienilintu at

must be a lovely place to visit!

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Megan - Truly Madly Kids at

I love that he gifted all his work to the state, how incredible. It looks absolutely stunning – your post has made me want to visit. #mondayescapes

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Bryna | Dotted Line Travels at

I’ve never been here but it looks very intriguing! I’m not the most educated when it comes to the fine arts, but I have come to discover that I do appreciate sculptures so I think I would love to visit this museum!

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Daisy - Dais Like These at

It looks like a haven in amongst the city – I love the shot of The Thinker with the Tour Eiffel peeping in the background.
What a wonderful musuem with so many great Rodin pieces.
Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes

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Katy Stern at

What a wonderful place to visit. I love the shot of The Thinker with the deep blue sky in the background, and wandering through the gardens sounds peaceful! Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes

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Lisa at

Thanks for bringing back such good memories! Years ago, when I was traveling to Paris quite frequently, I tried to go to the Rodin gardens as often as I could. I haven’t been for years now, so it’s nice to see them again, even in photos! #allaboutfrance

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Phoebe | Lou Messugo at

I can’t believe I haven’t been to this museum in all my time in Paris. Must rectify next time. I love all those hand studies, actually I pretty much love it all which makes it all the more ridiculous that I haven’t been there. #AllAboutFrance

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Rosie Hill (@EcoGitesLenault) at

Rodin’s talent is so amazing – thank you for sharing your pictures to #AllAboutFrance

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Nadine at

What a beautiful space to discover – both inside and out! I didn’t know about this little gem in Paris. Thanks for sharing at #allaboutfrance

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Anna at

It’s very nice to read a post about arts on a travel blog, I think it’s not very common. I recently saw an exhibition of Rodin’s works in Buenos Aires and the story behind his planned project, the Gates of Hell was really inspiring. The project never got finished, as the museum where it would have been displayed, never got constructed. Rodin dissembled the work and used the pieces for other sculptures. For me, it means when a dream never becomes reality, instead of breaking down, we can choose to turn it around a bit and bring the best out of it.

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Matt at

How have I never heard of this museum before? It’s the sort of museum that sounds like it would be right up my alley. Thanks for sharing so many pictures of what to expect as well. It’s definitely going to have to go on the list!

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Portia Jones at

I have been to Paris so many times and I have never been to this museum. I’ll definitely add it to my list for the next visit. 🙂

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Lauren at

We have a Rodin Museum in Philadelphia and I’ve become such a fan of his work! I would love to visit this one, especially due to its beautiful gardens. Just another reason to return to Paris!

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Susan at

I’ve been to Paris many times but never the Rodin Museum! I get kinda overwhelmed with all of the art museums there but I like that this one shows the work in progress.. this is something I would really enjoy. Thanks for sharing – adding this to my “next time I’m in Paris” list 🙂

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Brittany at

Great photos! It’s always helpful to hear about awesome destinations one might miss in the bigger cities. 🙂

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Rose at

Looks like a gorgeous place! Will add it to the bucket list!

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