Travelers and art lovers, get ready to discover a hidden gem of the City of Light: the Rodin Museum.
In the heart of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, this unique museum invites you to dive into the world of one of the greatest sculptors in history: Auguste Rodin.
In this article, I guide you through this sculpture sanctuary, sharing with you what you can see there, why you should visit, and how to get the most out of it. Ready to explore?
Exploration of the Rodin Museum: Immersion in the world of Auguste Rodin
In the heart of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Rodin Museum is a place that is definitely worth a visit if you love art.
The museum is housed in the Hôtel Biron, a charming 18th-century building that has seen many famous people come and go before becoming a place to exhibit Rodin’s work. Fascinated by the beauty and serenity of the place, the sculptor himself lived and worked there for several years.
Inside, you will find an impressive collection of over 6,000 sculptures, as well as drawings, prints, ceramics, photographs and archives.
Among the most famous works, do not miss “The Thinker,” “The Kiss” and “The Gate of Hell.”
The museum is not limited to its interior. It also houses a three-hectare garden, a true haven of peace in the middle of Paris. Stroll between the statues on display in the open air, sit by the pool and enjoy the moment. Rodin’s works seem to come alive in this green and peaceful setting.
The Rodin Museum is not simply a place where one contemplates works of art. It is a place that tells a story, that of a major artist, but also that of an era and a place. It is a space where art and nature meet and mingle in a magical way.
Highlights of a visit to the Rodin Museum
- A rich collection of works of art: With more than 6,000 sculptures, the Rodin Museum has one of the most complete collections of the sculptor’s works, including such world-famous masterpieces as “The Thinker,” “The Kiss” and “The Gates of Hell.”
- A historical place: The Hôtel Biron which houses the museum has a fascinating history. It was in this building that Rodin himself worked.
- The Sculpture Garden: The museum’s large garden is a jewel. It is an ideal place to walk, relax and admire Rodin’s works in the open air.
- The Atmosphere: The Rodin Museum offers a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, different from the hustle and bustle that can be found in other more crowded museums in Paris.
- Temporary exhibitions: The Rodin Museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions that allow visitors to discover other aspects of Rodin’s work or of the art of sculpture in general.
Disadvantages of visiting the Rodin Museum
- The size of the museum: Compared to other museums in Paris, the Rodin Museum is relatively small. If you are looking for a large-scale museum experience, you may be disappointed.
- A museum to see when the weather is nice: The exterior offers an excellent moment of the visit, the museum is to see when the weather is nice. With rainy weather, you will miss or appreciate less all the gardens.
What can you see at the Rodin Museum?
The Rodin Museum has so many works that it is impossible to list them. But here are the most beautiful things to see at the Rodin Museum.
Rodin’s major works
The museum houses some of Rodin’s most famous works such as “The Thinker,” “The Kiss” and “The Burghers of Calais.” You will also see “The Gates of Hell,” an imposing work that occupied Rodin for decades.
The sculptures of Camille Claudel
The museum also exhibits works by Camille Claudel, Rodin’s collaborator and lover; “La Valse” and “L’Âge mûr” are probably her most famous works.
The Sculpture Garden
The museum has a vast garden of three hectares. It is an ideal place for a peaceful walk.
Drawings and photographs
In addition to the sculptures, the museum has an extensive collection of Rodin’s drawings and photographs. This unique documentation provides a fascinating insight into his creative process.
Temporary exhibitions
The museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions highlighting different aspects of Rodin’s work or exploring the historical and artistic context in which he worked.
Workshops and educational activities
The Rodin Museum also offers a variety of workshops and educational activities for children and adults to deepen their knowledge of Rodin’s work and sculpture in general.
It is important to note that the specific works on display may vary depending on loans, restorations and temporary exhibitions in progress.
What is the entrance fee for the Rodin Museum?
Three prices to remember for the entrance to the Rodin Museum in Paris are:
- Entrance to the museum, the sculpture garden and the temporary exhibition: 14€.
- Entrance to the Rodin Museum and the Orsay Museum: 24€.
- An audio tour: 6€.
How long does a visit to the Rodin Museum last?
The length of your visit to the Rodin Museum depends largely on your interest in Rodin’s work and your desire to take the time to explore the garden.
On average, visitors spend between 2 and 3 hours on site. This is enough time to see most of the works.
If you really want to go deeper and take the time to contemplate each work, you could spend half a day or more.
Check out the current price on GetyourGuide.
Where is the Rodin Museum located?
The Rodin Museum in Paris is located at 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris.
How to get to the Rodin Museum?
The Rodin Museum is easily accessible by car and public transportation. Here are some options to get there:
By car
The Rodin Museum is located at 77 rue de Varenne, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. There is no dedicated parking for the museum, but you can find parking in the surrounding streets or in nearby public parking lots. However, be aware that parking in Paris is difficult and expensive.
By subway
Lines 8 (Varenne station) and 13 (Saint-François-Xavier station) take you close to the museum.
By bus
Lines 69, 82, 87 and 92 have stops near the Rodin Museum.
By RER
The RER line C (Invalides station) is also an option, but the walking route to finish the path is a bit longer.
In Vélib’
If you want to get some exercise, Paris’ self-service bicycle system, Vélib’, has several stations near the museum.
What are the opening hours of the Rodin Museum?
The Rodin Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The last possible entry is at 5:45 p.m.
Visit of the Rodin museum: my opinion !
Even if I am not an art lover, I found the visit to the Rodin museum to be enriching and pleasant.
When you arrive at the museum, the Hotel Biron welcomes you in the best possible way. Its classical architecture and historical charm provide the perfect setting for the display of Auguste Rodin’s works.
The museum’s collection is vast. With nearly 6000 sculptures listed on the official website, I’m sure I missed a good part of them! Even though I am not a connoisseur, I could appreciate the genius of this artist and recognize emblematic sculptures like “The Thinker,” “The Kiss” or “The Burghers of Calais.” Without knowing their names, I had already seen them in pictures.
My favorite part of the visit was discovering the gardens. These are home to some of Rodin’s works. Discovering art outdoors is both relaxing and more freeing. Unlike a museum room, you feel more comfortable admiring or ignoring a work.
The museum felt relatively small with fewer exhibit rooms than I expected. But the garden more than offset that impression.
Whether you are a fan of Rodin’s work or a neophyte, you will enjoy the visit.
What other activities can I do near the Rodin Museum?
The Rodin Museum is in a neighborhood rich in history and culture. Here are some activities and sites to see nearby:
- The Eiffel Tower: It is difficult to come to Paris without visiting this emblematic symbol of the city.
- The Musée d’Orsay: Located a short metro ride or walk away, the Musée d’Orsay houses an exceptional collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art.
- The Quai Branly Museum – Jacques Chirac: If you are interested in non-Western art, this museum offers a vast collection of African, Asian, Oceanian and Amerindian art.
- Les Invalides: Right next to the Rodin Museum, you can visit this historic complex that houses the Army Museum, the Dome of the Invalides (where Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb is located) and the Church of the Dome.
- A walk on the banks of the Seine: The banks of the Seine are ideal for a quiet walk with beautiful views of the city.
Remember, Paris is a city full of surprises. Don’t hesitate to explore the little streets and discover your own hidden gems!
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
