Visit the Rodin Museum in Paris
You’ve likely seen the work of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. But if you’re like me, you’re terrible at identifying art and its respective artist. So as we entered the Rodin Museum (Musee Rodin) in Paris and I saw The Thinker, I thought – “Now that’s a piece of art I recognize.” And now I know that Rodin was the person who created it. The trick will be remembering that piece of information long-term.
Paris is filled with all different types of art museums, with the Louvre being the most iconic of them all. But stepping into an entire museum dedicated to a single artist is a great way to capture the sense of that single person. Musee Rodin is that type of museum and worth taking the time to explore.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to find at the Rodin Museum in Paris and a few tips to help you maximize your visit.
Directions and Tickets to the Rodin Museum
The Rodin Museum is located in central Paris, just east of the Hotel Des Invalides (the Army Museum and tomb of Napoleon). The nearest metro stop to the Rodin Museum is Varenne (Line 13). From there, the museum entrance is due south. Follow the signs to the main entrance where you can show or purchase your tickets.
The best way to purchase tickets is online, which allows you to skip the queues to purchase your tickets onsite. Ticket prices are 14 Euro (roughly $15) for general admission to the museum and gardens. However, like many museums in Paris, children 18 and under get in free. If you have a Paris Musuem Pass, you don’t need to do anything in advance. Just show your pass at the entrance and you’re good to go.
Add an audio guide – available in six languages – for an additional 6 Euros (roughly $7) per person.
If you don’t have the Paris Museum Pass, and you plan to visit the Rodin Museum and Musee D’Orsay, you can buy a double pass online to visit both for 24 Euro (roughly $26).
18 Rooms Showcase Works of Art
The works of Rodin are on display in a building known as Hotel Biron. The two floors are organized into 18 rooms, each one displaying sculptures and other works of art from Auguste Rodin and a few other artists.
I thought about listing some of the works of art on display that are more famous. But not even I would know what those works of art are based solely on the name. That said, many of the art on display is of the human figure. Some are just the head, or hands, but many others are the torso and full body of both male and female.
RELATED POST: Read about the best things to do in Paris for couples and families
Beyond Le Penser (The Thinker), one of the more popular works on display is Le Baiser (The Kiss). It’s a man and woman sitting naked on a stone, embracing in a kiss. There’s a photo of it further down in this article. Another well-known piece is The Cathedral, which was one of my favorites. It’s two right hands almost touching, but sort of circulating around each other. I like the simplicity of it and find it as something I could display in my house.
In addition to the sculptures on display, there are also pencil sketches, likely some used by Rodin to help him prepare for his sculptures.
There are also a few other artists with some of their works on display. For example, Père Tanguy by Vincent Van Gogh or Peasant Woman with Cows by Alfred Roll.
Wander Through the Gardens
After exploring the interior of Hotel Biron, head outside to explore the paths of the garden and the works of art scattered throughout. Similar to the interior, I’m not sure I’d recognize the names of the art on display in the gardens.
One thing I really enjoy about wandering gardens like this with my wife is that she literally takes the time to stop and smell the roses. There are beautiful flowers, hedges and pathways that are similar to some of the gardens in Versailles, but with fewer fountains.
RELATED POST: Itinerary for a day trip to Versailles outside of Paris
Some of the most popular pieces on display in the gardens is La Porte de l’Enfer (Gates of Hell), Adam and Balzac. But those names don’t mean much to me, but were pieces that were great to see in person at the Rodin Musuem in Paris.
The Details
Address: 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris. Metro: Varenne (line 13) or Invalides (line 13, line 8).
How long to spend: About 1-2 hours
Cost: 14 Euro (roughly $15) for admission to the museum and gardens. Buy a double ticket to access the Rodin Museum and Musee D’Orsay for 24 Euro (roughly $26).
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Closed on May 1, January 1 and December 25.
Website: https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en
PIN THIS
