A 3 hectare park and a beautiful 18th century mansion near the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides: the Rodin Museum is a setting worthy of the greatest French sculptor. Whether for the richness of the collections or the peaceful and romantic French garden adorned with sculptures, the former residence of the great creator is an exceptional place in the heart of Paris.
In 1916, one year before his death, Auguste Rodin donated all his work and possessions to the French state. His wish: that this hotel built in 1732, which he had acquired in 1908 in poor condition, become a place dedicated to his work.. After years of renovation and embellishment, the Hôtel Biron became the Rodin Museum and opened its doors on August 4, 1919.
Since then, the combined charm of the rocaille architecture of this 18th century building and one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris has attracted visitors from all over the world who come to admire two of his most famous works, The Thinker and The Kiss. Another source of pleasure during this visit: to be able, like the most prestigious sculptor of the 20th century, to marvel at the effects of the light on the sculptures thanks to the large windows of the exhibition rooms overlooking the garden. The monumental marble staircase giving access to 18 rooms retracing his artistic career is also a must on site.
Sketches in clay, plaster casts, bronze or marble sculptures (nearly 6,800), drawings (8,000), old photographs and thousands of art objects allow visitors to follow in the footsteps of the brilliant creator and to discover, through several rooms, his creative process and the genesis of his works.
Some of the works on display are absolutely essential in the history of art, as Rodin's approach totally broke with the customs of his time. For The Man with the Broken Nose, he opposed the usual canons of aesthetic beauty or, for The Bronze Age, he favored the expressiveness of the body which, years later, caused a huge scandal with his vision - judged unflattering - of the great writer Balzac.
This controversial work can be seen in the garden along with a group of monumental sculptures, the Gate of Hell. This unfinished life's work served as the source of his most famous sculptures for over 30 years, with Rodin regularly extracting motifs from it to make large-scale sculptures.
You will have understood that the Rodin Museum offers a total delight for the eyes, nature and culture cohabiting in total harmony in this beautiful place disconnected from the Parisian tumult. To book your visit go here.
Valerie from Comme des Français
Extend your reading with these others articles