Rodin Museum: Tickets and Visit Guide

The Rodin Museum: A Temple to Sculpture

The Rodin Museum in Paris celebrates the work of Auguste Rodin, one of the greatest sculptors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Housed in the stunning Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century mansion in the 7th arrondissement, the museum offers an intimate setting to discover Rodin's revolutionary approach to sculpture. The combination of historic interiors and three hectares of gardens makes this one of Paris's most delightful museum experiences.

The Thinker, perhaps Rodin's most iconic work, sits contemplatively at the garden entrance. The Kiss, Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais are among the masterpieces displayed throughout the mansion and grounds. Rodin lived and worked at the Hôtel Biron from 1908 until his death in 1917, and bequeathed his entire collection to France on condition that a museum be created in his honor.

Masterpieces to Discover

The Thinker (Le Penseur) was originally conceived as part of The Gates of Hell, representing Dante contemplating his Divine Comedy. The muscular figure, chin resting on his hand, has become a universal symbol of creative thought and human reflection. Several casts exist worldwide, but the Rodin Museum holds the definitive version in its garden.

The Kiss depicts Paolo and Francesca from Dante's Inferno, caught in an eternal embrace. The sculpture's sensual vitality and technical virtuosity exemplify Rodin's ability to convey emotion through stone. The Gates of Hell, a monumental unfinished project, features over 180 figures and took nearly 40 years to develop, with many of Rodin's best-known works derived from it.

Visiting the Museum and Gardens

The museum is divided between the mansion's salons and the sculpted gardens. Indoors, you'll find bronze and marble works alongside Rodin's drawings and personal collections. The garden layout allows you to discover sculptures in dialogue with nature—The Thinker, The Walking Man, and Balzac stand among roses and hedges.

Allow at least two hours for a thorough visit. The garden alone merits an hour, especially on sunny days. Book tickets online to skip the line, particularly during peak season. The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers audio guides in multiple languages.

Practical Information

Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Recommended duration: 2 hours

Nearby: Invalides, Army Museum, Eiffel Tower