History & Collections
From Mansion to Museum
The Musée Rodin is housed in the stunning 18th-century Hôtel Biron, a mansion built between 1727-1732. Auguste Rodin first rented rooms here in 1908, using the space as his studio. Enchanted by the beautiful gardens, he persuaded the French state to purchase the property in 1911, on condition that it would become a museum dedicated to his work after his death. Rodin died in 1917, and the museum opened to the public in 1919, becoming France's first national museum dedicated to a single artist during his lifetime.
Rodin's Artistic Legacy
The museum houses the world's largest collection of Auguste Rodin's works, with over 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs, and 7,000 art objects. Highlights include original plaster casts, bronze casts, and marble works. The collection spans Rodin's entire career, from his early works to his final creations, showcasing his revolutionary approach to sculpture that broke from classical traditions and paved the way for modern art.
Sculpture in Harmony with Nature
What makes Musée Rodin unique is its seamless integration of art and nature. The three-hectare gardens are as important as the indoor galleries, with major works like The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais displayed among roses, fountains, and ancient trees. This creates a dialogue between Rodin's powerful human forms and the organic beauty of the gardens, offering visitors a truly immersive artistic experience.
Collection Highlights
Masterpieces: The Thinker, The Kiss, The Gates of Hell
Garden Size: 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of sculpture gardens
Total Works: 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings
Building: 18th-century Hôtel Biron (1732)
Special Feature: Camille Claudel dedicated room
First Encounter with The Thinker
I entered Musée Rodin on a crisp autumn morning, the gardens still sparkling with dew. Walking up the main path, I saw him - The Thinker - seated on his stone pedestal, silhouetted against the golden façade of Hôtel Biron. The morning light caught the bronze, highlighting every muscle, every contemplative curve. I circled slowly, watching the sculpture transform with each angle. From the front, intense concentration; from the side, powerful physicality; from behind, a vulnerability in the curved spine. What struck me was the setting: not in a sterile gallery, but surrounded by nature. Fallen leaves gathered at the base, a bird landed briefly on the shoulder. I sat on a nearby bench for twenty minutes, watching other visitors approach with the same reverent pause. Some touched the base (though signs asked not to), others photographed, many just stood in quiet contemplation. In that garden, with Paris waking up around us, The Thinker felt alive, still pondering the human condition as he has for over a century.
Travel Guide
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Last entry: 5:45 PM Wednesday evenings until 8:30 PM (April-Sept) Closed: Mondays, January 1, May 1, December 25 |
| Ticket Prices | Museum + Garden: €13 adults Garden only: €4 (seasonal) Reduced: €9 (EU 18-25) Free: Under 18, EU under 26, first Sunday Nov-March |
| Best Time to Visit | Opening hour (10 AM) for empty gardens Weekdays except Wednesday Spring (April-May) for rose garden in bloom Autumn for colorful foliage backdrop |
| Suggested Duration | Minimum: 1.5 hours (garden highlights) Standard: 2-3 hours (museum + garden) Comprehensive: 4+ hours (all collections) |
| Getting There | Metro: Varenne (Line 13), Invalides (Line 8,13) RER: Invalides (Line C) Bus: Lines 69, 82, 87, 92 |
Visiting Tips
Tickets: Buy online to skip queues, especially in summer
Route: Start in gardens (best morning light), then indoor collections
Photography: Allowed without flash, tripods need permission
Seasonal: Check rose garden bloom times (typically May-June)
Combination: Perfect with nearby Invalides or Musée d'Orsay
Must-See Masterpieces
The Thinker - Rodin's most famous work
The Kiss - Iconic marble lovers
The Gates of Hell - Monumental bronze doors
A Rainy Afternoon in the Chapel
I visited Musée Rodin on a rainy April afternoon, expecting disappointment. Instead, I discovered the museum's secret magic in bad weather. The gardens were nearly empty, the sculptures glistening with rain. But the real surprise was the chapel - a small, rarely crowded room in the museum's west wing. Here, in soft natural light from high windows, stood The Kiss in marble. The rain pattering on the skylight created a hushed, intimate atmosphere. I was alone with the sculpture for twenty minutes, able to circle it slowly, studying the incredible detail: the tension in the man's back, the yielding curve of the woman's body, the unfinished marble block from which they emerge. A guard told me this was Rodin's original marble, carved between 1888-1898. The rain intensified, and the marble seemed to glow in the gray light. Other visitors came and went quietly, but I stayed, sitting on a bench, watching how the light changed as the storm passed. That rainy afternoon turned what could have been a rushed visit into a profound, personal encounter with a masterpiece.
Travel Experiences
Rose Garden in Spring Bloom
Sculpture Drawing Workshop
Summer Evening Garden Event
Unique Experiences
- Garden Stroll: 3 hectares of sculptures among flowers and fountains
- Drawing Sessions: Regular workshops (materials provided)
- Camille Claudel Room: Dedicated to Rodin's muse and lover
- Seasonal Gardens: Rose garden (May-June), ornamental pond
- Tactile Tour: For visually impaired (book in advance)
- Evening Openings: Wednesday nights in summer
- Temporary Exhibitions: Contemporary dialogues with Rodin
- Children's Workshops: Family-friendly sculpture activities
Drawing The Thinker at Twilight
I attended a Wednesday evening drawing workshop in June, when the museum stays open until 8:30 PM. As the daytime crowds left, about twenty of us gathered in the garden with sketchpads and charcoal. Our instructor, a practicing sculptor, began with a brief talk about Rodin's techniques. Then we spread out around The Thinker, each choosing our angle. I found a spot where the sculpture was framed by blooming roses. For two hours, as the light faded from golden to blue, I attempted to capture that powerful form. The instructor moved among us, offering gentle corrections. What transformed the experience was the changing light: golden hour highlights, then long shadows, finally artificial lights illuminating the bronze against the darkening sky. Other visitors watched us work, some taking photos of artists drawing art. When the museum closed, we gathered our drawings - all different, all inspired by the same masterpiece. Walking out through the now-empty gardens, I felt I hadn't just seen Rodin's work - I'd conversed with it.
Tips & Notes
Museum Etiquette
- Do not touch sculptures (oil from skin damages surfaces)
- Keep voices moderate, especially in indoor galleries
- No flash photography (damages artworks over time)
- Stay on garden paths to protect plantings
- Supervise children closely near sculptures
- No picnicking in sculpture areas (use designated zones)
- Respect other visitors' viewing space
Practical Tips
- Free cloakroom available for bags and coats
- Audio guide recommended (€6, multiple languages)
- Museum café offers garden views (moderate prices)
- Combination tickets available with Musée d'Orsay
- Check website for temporary exhibition schedules
- Free first Sunday of month (Nov-March) very crowded
- Wheelchair accessible with some garden limitations
Photography Tips
Golden Hour: Late afternoon for warm sculpture lighting
The Thinker: Morning light from east, evening from west
Details: Macro shots of sculpture textures and surfaces
Context: Include gardens to show sculpture in setting
Indoors: High ISO, no flash, use natural window light
Seasons: Different garden backdrops throughout year
FAQs
Essential works to see (in priority order):
- 1. The Thinker (garden)
- Location: Main garden, facing mansion
- Original plaster in museum, bronze in garden
- Best viewing: Circle completely, morning light
- 2. The Kiss (indoor)
- Location: Ground floor, chapel room
- Original marble (1888-1898)
- Don't miss: The unfinished marble block
- 3. The Gates of Hell (garden)
- Location: North garden
- Monumental bronze doors (6m high)
- Contains early versions of The Thinker, other figures
- 4. The Burghers of Calais (garden)
- Location: South garden
- Six life-size figures, powerful grouping
- Walk among the figures for full impact
- 5. Camille Claudel Room (first floor)
- Dedicated to Rodin's student and lover
- Her masterpiece: The Age of Maturity
- Important feminist art history
- 6. Balzac Monument (garden)
- 7. The Cathedral (indoor, two right hands)
- 8. Eternal Springtime (multiple versions)
Rose garden blooming schedule and tips:
- Peak Bloom: Typically late May through June
- First Blooms: Early May (depending on spring weather)
- Best Weeks: Usually last two weeks of May
- Factors Affecting Blooms:
- Spring temperatures (warmer = earlier bloom)
- Winter conditions (mild winter = better blooms)
- Rainfall (adequate spring rain = lusher blooms)
- Best Viewing Times:
- Early morning (opens 10 AM) for soft light
- Weekdays to avoid crowds
- After rain (flowers glistening, intense colors)
- Photography Tips:
- Morning light for dew-covered roses
- Overcast days for even lighting, no shadows
- Include sculptures for scale and interest
- Other Garden Highlights:
- April: Spring bulbs, magnolias
- July-August: Ornamental grasses, late roses
- October: Autumn foliage, seed heads
- Check Before Visiting: Museum website posts bloom updates
Garden-only access information:
- Yes, garden-only tickets are available
- Garden Ticket Price: €4 (seasonal, not always available)
- Availability:
- Usually offered April-October
- Winter months: Gardens often included with museum only
- Check current season on website
- What You Can See with Garden Ticket:
- All outdoor sculptures including The Thinker
- Rose garden and ornamental pond
- The Gates of Hell (garden version)
- The Burghers of Calais
- Balzac Monument and other garden works
- Not Included:
- Indoor collections (The Kiss, etc.)
- Camille Claudel room
- Temporary exhibitions
- Chapel with marble Kiss
- Best For:
- Short visits (1 hour or less)
- Good weather days
- Repeat visitors focusing on gardens
- Those with limited time or budget
- Purchase: At museum entrance, separate queue often shorter
Other Rodin locations in Paris:
- 1. Musée d'Orsay
- Several important Rodin works
- The Gates of Hell (plaster model)
- The Age of Bronze, St. John the Baptist
- Location: Left Bank, near Musée Rodin
- 2. Panthéon
- The Thinker (original size) in square outside
- Part of Rodin's Monument to Victor Hugo
- Free to view exterior sculpture
- 3. Place de l'Alma
- Monument to Argentine Republic
- Often overlooked Rodin work
- 4. Père Lachaise Cemetery
- Rodin's grave (simple monument)
- Section near other famous artists
- 5. Petit Palais
- Several Rodin sculptures in collection
- Free permanent collection
- 6. Hôtel de Biron Grounds
- Rodin's original studios preserved
- Part of Musée Rodin but separate history
- Rodin Trail: Some hotels offer guided walks linking sites
- Best Combo: Musée Rodin + Musée d'Orsay (walking distance)
Local Cuisine
Musée Rodin Café Garden Terrace
Traditional Parisian Patisserie
Gourmet Lunch near Museum
Museum & Local Dining
- Museum Café: Light meals with sculpture garden views
- Rodin Lunch Box: Museum's picnic option (seasonal)
- French Classics: Croque Monsieur, quiches, salads
- Artistic Pastries: Themed desserts at local patisseries
- Gourmet Picnics: Assemble at nearby Rue Cler market
- Wine Tasting: Local wine bars with French selections
Recommended Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Distance | Specialty | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musée Rodin Café | Inside museum | Light lunches, tea, garden views | Museum break, no re-entry needed |
| Le Café de l'Esplanade | 5-minute walk | Traditional brasserie, historic | Pre/post museum full meal |
| La Fontaine de Mars | 8-minute walk | Classic bistro, Obama visited | Authentic French experience |
| Boulangerie Maline | 3-minute walk | Fresh baguettes, sandwiches | Quick picnic in gardens |
| Les Cocottes | 10-minute walk | Modern French in cast iron | Foodie experience |
| Café Constant | 12-minute walk | Affordable quality, local favorite | Budget-friendly good food |
Lunch at the Museum Café
The Musée Rodin Café, located in what was once the mansion's orangerie, offers the perfect museum break. I visited on a sunny May day, securing a table on the terrace overlooking the rose garden. The menu featured light, artistic presentations: my salad arrived arranged like a color palette, with edible flowers among the greens. The "Thinker" dessert - a dark chocolate mousse shaped like the sculpture - was almost too beautiful to eat. What made the experience special was the continuity: from my table, I could see The Thinker in the distance, other sculptures dotted among the roses, and visitors moving quietly along the paths. The café maintains the museum's elegant but relaxed atmosphere. A French family nearby discussed the sculptures they'd seen, pointing toward The Burghers of Calais. An artist sketched in a notebook while sipping espresso. When the bill came in a small bronze-colored folder, it felt like part of the artistic experience. This wasn't just lunch - it was extending the museum visit, with good food amid great art.
Accommodation Recommendations
| Hotel Name | Category | Distance | Special Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel de Varenne | Boutique Luxury | 3-minute walk | Art-themed rooms, garden courtyard | €€€€ |
| Hôtel Le Tourville | Design Hotel | 5-minute walk | Eiffel Tower views, stylish decor | €€€€ |
| Hôtel de Londres Eiffel | Comfort | 8-minute walk | Family-run, includes breakfast, cozy | €€€ |
| Hôtel de la Motte Picquet | Mid-range | 10-minute walk | Good value, near Rue Cler market | €€ |
| Hotel de la Bourdonnais | Budget | 12-minute walk | Simple, clean, excellent location | € |
| Pension Sainte Geneviève | Guest House | 15-minute walk | Charming, budget rooms with character | € |
Accommodation Tips
Location: 7th arrondissement is safe, elegant, and walkable
Views: Some hotels have partial Eiffel Tower views
Markets: Rue Cler street market nearby for picnic supplies
Walking Distance: To Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Musée d'Orsay
Book Early: This area popular, especially spring and fall
Metro Access: Multiple lines nearby for exploring further
Staying at Hôtel de Varenne
My room at Hôtel de Varenne overlooked a quiet interior courtyard, but the real luxury was the location. Each morning, I walked three minutes to Musée Rodin, often arriving as it opened. The hotel embraced the artistic neighborhood: Rodin prints in the rooms, art books in the lounge, and a breakfast room decorated with sculpture photographs. One evening, returning from dinner, I detoured through the museum's gates (left open for hotel guests' access to a small section of garden). Sitting on a bench near The Thinker, with the museum closed and gardens empty, was magical. The hotel staff were knowledgeable about the museum - the concierge recommended visiting the Camille Claudel room at 3 PM when sunlight streams through the windows. The neighborhood felt like a village within Paris: the same bakery each morning, the same market vendors recognizing me. Staying here made me feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary resident of this artistic enclave.
Travel Itineraries
Half-Day Art Experience
Morning (10 AM-1 PM): Musée Rodin gardens → The Thinker → Rose Garden
Lunch (1-2 PM): Museum Café with garden view
Afternoon (2-4 PM): Indoor collections → The Kiss → Camille Claudel room
Full-Day Sculpture & Museum Tour
Morning: Musée Rodin comprehensive visit (gardens + indoor)
Afternoon: Musée d'Orsay (Impressionism + Rodin collection)
Evening: Dinner at La Fontaine de Mars → Eiffel Tower illumination walk
Three-Day Paris Art Immersion
Day 1: Musée Rodin → Invalides/Napoleon's Tomb → Rue Cler market
Day 2: Musée d'Orsay → Left Bank galleries → Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Day 3: Louvre Museum → Tuileries Garden → Orangerie (Monet)
Half-Day Rodin Focus Tour
Full-Day Sculpture Museum Tour
Three-Day Paris Art Immersion
The Sculpture Lover's Day: Rodin to d'Orsay
I designed a perfect day for sculpture enthusiasts, starting at Musée Rodin when it opened at 10 AM. I spent the morning in the gardens, following the audio guide's sculpture trail. After lunch at the museum café, I explored the indoor collections, paying special attention to the plaster models showing Rodin's process. At 2 PM, I walked the lovely 15-minute route to Musée d'Orsay along the Seine. The d'Orsay's sculpture collection on the ground floor provided fascinating comparisons: Rodin alongside his contemporaries like Carpeaux and Dalou. The museum's version of The Gates of Hell (in plaster) let me compare with the bronze in Rodin's garden. I ended in the Impressionist galleries, seeing how Rodin's broken surfaces influenced painters. Walking back along the river at dusk, I stopped at the Pont des Arts to watch the lights come on. This day showed Rodin not as an isolated genius, but as part of a vibrant Parisian art world, his innovations echoing through multiple mediums.