Rodin Museum
The Rodin Museum is a true artistic treasure dedicated to one of the most famous sculptors of all time: Auguste Rodin. Housed in the Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens, the museum offers an immersive experience in the creative and visionary universe of this renowned artist.
A superb and intimate place
We love the peaceful, timeless atmosphere... The Rodin Museum is located in the Hôtel Biron, a magnificent 18th century mansion, located in the Invalides district of Paris. The architecture of the Hôtel Biron is a graceful blend of classic style and refinement. The ornate facades, elegant columns and delicate balustrades give this building a majestic and timeless aura.
Visitors are greeted by a picturesque interior courtyard, where they can admire the main facade of the Hôtel Biron. This space offers a captivating introduction to the artistic atmosphere that reigns in the museum.
THEgardens surrounding the Rodin Museum are a true haven of peace in the heart of the bustling city. Designed by Rodin himself, these beautifully manicured landscaped gardens provide an idyllic setting in which to stroll and recharge your batteries.
As you venture into the gardens, you will discover many elements that add to the beauty of the whole. Winding paths lined with clipped boxwood, colorful flower beds and majestic trees create a poetic and tranquil atmosphere. The green spaces and scattered benches invite you to sit, contemplate and soak up the serenity of the place. We can say without blushing that this place is one of the most romantic places in Paris for us !
Among the wonders of the gardens are the monumental sculptures of Rodin, which blend harmoniously into the natural environment. The statues emerge from flower beds and green beds, creating a striking interaction between art and nature. The interaction between stone and vegetation adds a living and organic dimension to the sculptures, thus reinforcing their power and expressiveness.
A highlight of the gardens is the presence of an outdoor version of some of Rodin's most famous works, such as "The Thinker" and "The Kiss". These sculptures, strategically placed, capture natural light, creating plays of shadows and reflections that enrich their visual impact.
The gardens of the Rodin Museum are also dotted with benches, rest areas and small terraces that invite visitors to relax and fully appreciate their surroundings. It is the ideal place to read a book, exchange ideas or simply let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the place.
Current exhibitions
Who is Rodin?
Auguste Rodin, one of the most influential sculptors of all time, lived a life marked by passion, artistic daring and unwavering determination. Born on November 12, 1840 in Paris, he went through periods of struggle and recognition to become one of the most respected figures in the history of art.
Rodin showed a precocious talent for sculpture at a young age. However, his beginnings in the artistic field were not without difficulties. He was rejected several times by the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, but this did not discourage him. He then worked as an ornamentalist, creating decorations for buildings and monuments, while continuing his own artistic research.
It was with the work “The Age of Bronze” in 1877 that Rodin experienced his first significant recognition. This lifelike sculpture caused controversy, with some critics suggesting that he had made a direct cast from a live model. Nonetheless, this controversy helped draw attention to his work and propel him onto the art scene.
Over the years, Rodin developed a distinctive style that was characterized by powerful forms, textured surfaces and intense emotional expressiveness. He was fascinated by human anatomy and managed to capture muscular tension and movement in his sculptures with remarkable precision.
Among his most famous works are "The Thinker" (1880), "The Kiss" (1882), "The Gates of Hell" (1880-1917) and "The Burghers of Calais" (1884-1895). These sculptures have been acclaimed for their realism, emotional depth and ability to tell poignant stories. You can also admire his works inthe sumptuous Tuileries Gardens.
Rodin was not only a prolific sculptor, but also a committed artist and mentor to many emerging talents. He founded a workshop where he worked with assistants and apprentices, encouraging them to develop their own artistic style and explore their creativity.
His personal life was also marked by tumultuous relationships. His affair with the young sculptor Camille Claudel was a source of inspiration, but also of torment for him. Their passionate and complex relationship was documented through their correspondence and had a lasting influence on their respective creations.
Rodin received numerous honors throughout his career. In 1900 he was named a Knight of the Legion of Honor and became the first sculptor to receive a commission from the French state for a public monument during his lifetime.
Auguste Rodin died on November 17, 1917 in Meudon, near Paris, leaving behind a considerable artistic legacy.
The 5 sculptures not to be missed
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The Thinker: Unquestionably one of Rodin's most iconic sculptures, The Thinker embodies deep reflection and introspection. This work represents a seated naked man, his chin resting on his right hand, immersed in deep meditation. The powerful posture and striking muscles testify to the intense concentration of the figure, who seems in inner dialogue with himself. The Thinker is a timeless exploration of human existence and the quest for meaning.
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The Kiss: Another iconic Rodin sculpture, The Kiss, depicts a couple entwined in a passionate embrace. The intertwined bodies and passionate expressions of the lovers capture the intensity of human emotions. Every detail, from the graceful movements of the hands to the delicate curves of the faces, conveys tenderness and sensuality. The Kiss is a celebration of love and emotional connection between human beings.
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The Gates of Hell: This monumental bronze door constitutes one of Rodin's most ambitious works. Inspired by the Inferno of Dante's Divine Comedy, it presents a complex arrangement of tormented characters and allegorical figures. The door depicts scenes of suffering, passion and struggle, representing a deeply expressive view of the human condition. The Gates of Hell is a testament to Rodin's technical skill and his exploration of the human soul.
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The Burghers of Calais: This monumental sculpture commemorates a heroic episode in the history of Calais during the Hundred Years' War. Rodin represents the six bourgeois of Calais ready to sacrifice their lives to save their city. Each figure reflects a range of emotions, from despair to determination. The angular faces and powerful bodies of these characters depict the tension and moral strength needed to make such a decision. The Burghers of Calais are a striking representation of courage and sacrifice.
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The Age of Bronze: This early sculpture by Rodin marked a turning point in his career. It depicts a naked young man in a dynamic pose, capturing the muscular tension and energy of the body in motion. The Age of Brass has been praised for its striking reality, to the point that some have accused Rodin of casting directly from a living model. This work launched Rodin's fame as an innovative and daring sculptor.