Explore the Rodin Museum

Claim to Fame

The Rodin Museum in Paris houses the largest collection of works by the famed sculptor Auguste Rodin, including iconic masterpieces like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, displayed within a serene mansion and garden setting.

📌 Navigating Rodin Museum : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Public washrooms are available in the Rodin Museum.
Hours of Operation: The Rodin Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.
Important Information: The Rodin Museum showcases the works of famous sculptor Auguste Rodin.
Admission Fee: An admission fee is required to enter the Rodin Museum.
How Long to Visit: A visit to the Rodin Museum typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
WIFI: Free public WIFI is available in some areas of the Rodin Museum.
Picnic Area: There are no designated picnic areas within the Rodin Museum.
Parking: Parking is available near the Rodin Museum.
Family Friendly: The Rodin Museum is family-friendly with exhibits that interest all ages.
Photography: Photography is allowed, but no flash photography in the Rodin Museum.
Restaurant or Cafe: The Rodin Museum has a cafe offering light meals and beverages.
Gift Shop: The gift shop at the Rodin Museum offers art-related souvenirs and books.
Handicap Accessible: The Rodin Museum is accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Rodin Museum.
Guided Tours: Guided tours of the Rodin Museum are available and provide insights into the art.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Rodin Museum

Nestled in the elegant 7th arrondissement near the Invalides, the Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin) is a hidden gem among Parisian cultural attractions. Housed in the Hôtel Biron, a graceful 18th-century mansion, the museum showcases Rodin’s sculptures in both indoor galleries and beautifully landscaped gardens, offering visitors a tranquil and immersive art experience.

What to Expect

The museum presents a curated journey through Rodin’s artistic evolution, featuring original sculptures, plaster casts, and personal artifacts. Inside, admire works like The Kiss, The Age of Bronze, and intimate portraits of literary and artistic figures.

Outside, the sculpture garden is an open-air gallery dotted with towering trees, fountains, and gravel paths. Here, you'll encounter Rodin’s most famous piece, The Thinker, poised contemplatively in the open air, as well as The Burghers of Calais and the monumental Gates of Hell.

Background and Cultural Context

Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) is often regarded as the father of modern sculpture. The museum was established in 1919, just two years after his death, in accordance with Rodin’s wishes that his works, collection, and residence be preserved and made public. In addition to his own pieces, the museum also exhibits works by his muse and protégé Camille Claudel, as well as Rodin’s collection of paintings and antiquities.

The Hôtel Biron itself adds historical charm to the visit — a beautifully restored Rococo mansion that Rodin occupied during his final years and used as a creative refuge.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings are ideal for a quiet experience, especially in the gardens. Spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant weather for enjoying the outdoor sculptures. The museum is less crowded than the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, making it a peaceful alternative.

How to Get There

The Rodin Museum is centrally located near the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. You can reach it via:

Metro: Varenne (Line 13) – directly across from the museum
RER: Invalides (RER C)
Bus: Lines 69, 82, 87, or 92

It’s a short walk from Les Invalides and other Left Bank landmarks.

Photo Opportunities

The Thinker in the garden, framed by greenery
Elegant interiors and sculptures in natural light
The Gates of Hell with its intricate bronze details
Peaceful paths and fountains in the formal garden

Travel Tips

Purchase combined tickets for both the museum and garden, or opt for a garden-only ticket if you're short on time.
Audio guides and app tours are available for deeper insight into Rodin’s life and work.
Bring a sketchbook — the gardens are a favorite spot for artists and students.
There’s a café on site with outdoor seating and views of the garden.

FAQs

Is the museum accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes — the museum and gardens are accessible, with elevators and paved walkways throughout.

How long should I plan to visit?
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to explore both the mansion and the sculpture gardens.

Are there works by other artists?
Yes — the museum includes works by Camille Claudel, Rodin’s student and muse, along with Rodin’s private art collection.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Rodin Museum is a soulful encounter with one of art history’s greatest sculptors. The blend of thoughtful interiors and peaceful gardens makes it a uniquely intimate cultural stop in Paris — a perfect escape from the city’s larger, busier museums.

Things To Do near Rodin Museum

Eiffel Tower

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Eiffel Tower is 2.6 Kilometer(s) / 1.6 Mile(s)

Louvre Museum

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Louvre Museum is 2.7 Kilometer(s) / 1.7 Mile(s)

Champs-Élysées

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Champs-Élysées is 2.7 Kilometer(s) / 1.7 Mile(s)

Luxembourg Gardens

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Luxembourg Gardens is 3.1 Kilometer(s) / 1.9 Mile(s)

Seine River Cruise

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Seine River Cruise is 3.5 Kilometer(s) / 2.2 Mile(s)

Latin Quarter

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Latin Quarter is 3.9 Kilometer(s) / 2.4 Mile(s)

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Notre-Dame Cathedral is 4 Kilometer(s) / 2.5 Mile(s)

Moulin Rouge

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Moulin Rouge is 5.5 Kilometer(s) / 3.4 Mile(s)

Montmartre

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Montmartre is 6.4 Kilometer(s) / 4 Mile(s)

Musée d'Orsay

The Distance from Rodin Museum to Musée d'Orsay is 9.3 Kilometer(s) / 5.8 Mile(s)

📘 Paris Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Paris operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC +1. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2.

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Population: Paris has a population of approximately 2.1 million people in the city proper and over 12 million in the metropolitan area, making it the most populous urban center in France and one of the largest in Europe.

Size: Paris covers an area of around 105 square kilometers (40.7 square miles). Located along the Seine River in northern France, it is renowned for its historic architecture, world-class museums, and cultural landmarks.

Language: French is the official language spoken in Paris. English is commonly understood in hotels, major tourist attractions, and restaurants, though a few basic French phrases are appreciated by locals.

Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops and cafés.

Safety: Paris is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing are common in crowded spots like the metro, Eiffel Tower, and major train stations. Visitors should stay alert and protect valuables.

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Water: Tap water in Paris is safe to drink and meets EU quality standards. Public fountains and restaurant water are safe unless otherwise indicated.

Annual Visitors: Paris welcomes over 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. Key attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays in France. A valid passport is required for entry.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for travel to France. Routine immunizations such as measles, flu, and tetanus are recommended. Healthcare in Paris is high-quality and widely available.

Transportation: Paris has a dense and efficient public transportation network, including metro lines, buses, RER trains, and trams. Walking is also a convenient way to explore central neighborhoods.

Food: Paris is a culinary capital known for pastries, cheeses, wine, and gourmet dining. Signature dishes include croissants, escargot, coq au vin, and steak frites. Cafés and boulangeries are cultural staples.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Parisians value politeness and formality. A simple “bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants is expected. Quiet behavior in public spaces and respectful dress at religious sites are appreciated.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, museums, and public spaces. Mobile coverage is excellent. SIM cards with prepaid data are available at convenience stores and kiosks.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended when visiting Paris. While France has excellent healthcare, non-EU visitors may be charged for treatment. Insurance also helps cover theft, delays, or lost baggage.

Did You Know? - Facts About Rodin Museum

In addition to Rodin's works, the museum also displays pieces by his protégée and lover, Camille Claudel, providing insight into their complex relationship and her considerable talent as a sculptor. The inclusion of Claudel's works highlights the significant, yet often overlooked, contribution of women to the art world during this period.

The Musée Rodin underwent a comprehensive renovation, reopening in 2015 with updated exhibition spaces that enhance the visitor experience while preserving the historic integrity of the Hôtel Biron. This renovation ensures that the museum continues to serve as a vibrant testament to Rodin's legacy, offering insights into the creative process of one of the most influential artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Hôtel Biron and its gardens provide a unique setting for Rodin's works. The artist lived and worked in this space during the last years of his life and bequeathed his entire collection to the French state on the condition that it be turned into a museum dedicated to his works. The gardens are a particularly enchanting aspect of the museum, featuring many of Rodin's bronze sculptures set amidst the greenery, offering visitors a serene environment to appreciate the art.

The Rodin Museum in Paris, officially known as the Musée Rodin, is dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin, one of the most prominent sculptors of his time. Located in the 7th arrondissement, the museum is housed in the Hôtel Biron, a magnificent 18th-century mansion surrounded by extensive gardens, which itself is a work of art.

The museum's collection includes over 6,000 sculptures, along with drawings, engravings, photographs, and Rodin's personal collections of antiquities, offering a comprehensive overview of Rodin's artistic development and his influence on modern sculpture. Among the most famous pieces displayed are "The Thinker," "The Kiss," and "The Gates of Hell," each showcasing Rodin's innovative approach to depicting human emotions and form.