Rodin Museum in Paris

Visit The Thinker in Musée Rodin of Paris France: tips & tickets

Discover the Rodin Museum in Paris France with iconic sculptures like The Thinker (La Penseur): info, opening hours and tickets. This 18th-century mansion with serene gardens is now a museum that celebrates Auguste Rodin.

What to see at Musée Rodin in Paris?

The Musée Rodin is housed in the old Hôtel Biron. The elegant structure was constructed in 1730 and is close to Les Invalides. Hôtel Biron was the favorite residence of Auguste Rodin. During his final years, Rodin donated most of his work to the French State; his only request herefor was that the Hôtel Biron be converted into a museum. Musée Rodin opened its doors in 1919, two years after Rodin’s death.

Musée Rodin and its surrounding gardens are particularly well-liked by individuals who like sculptures. Many of Rodin’s pieces are on display in the chic museum. The Rodin Museum also has a section entirely devoted to the artist Camille Claudel. She had an important impact on Rodin’s life and was well acquainted with him. Several paintings by Renoir and Van Gogh can be found in Musée Rodin. These pieces were part of Auguste Rodin’s private art collection.

The Thinker by Auguste Rodin

Auguste Rodin’s most famous sculpture can be seen at Musée Rodin’s beautiful rose-filled gardens. His iconic sculpture, The Thinker, or Le Penseur in French, can be found there. Rodin created this incredible bronze sculpture in 1881. Fun fact: Le Penseur was his first bronze sculpture to be shown in Paris. The Thinker is a sculpture, symbolizing deep contemplation and intellectual struggle. Originally conceived as part of Rodin's larger work, The Gates of Hell, the statue depicts a muscular man seated with his chin resting on one hand, embodying both physical and mental intensity.

^{Gardens of Musée Rodin in Paris France}

^{Sculpture of the Three Shades in the Auguste Rodin Museum}

The life of Auguste Rodin

Auguste Rodin was born in Paris in 1840 and grew up in a poor family. He began making sculptures when he was a teenager. He earned a small income by designing decorations for the facades of grand Parisian residences. Rodin frequently entered prominent Parisian art competitions, but he was never picked as the winner. When he was 35 years old, he traveled to Italy and was strongly affected by the sculptures and creative processes of Raphael and Michelangelo. Rodin enjoyed working with clay, then casting the sculpture in bronze after creating a plaster mold. He was also an accomplished marble sculptor. Auguste Rodin marble sculptures are easily recognizable. His sculptures usually have unfinished, rough marble in addition to perfectly finished lines.

Visiting Musée Rodin and Tickets

Musée Rodin is a popular museum in Paris. You need an entry ticket to enter the museum and its surrounding gardens. It is possible to purchase tickets in advance. Tip: You can already book your tickets online:

Video: Rodin Museum in Paris France

How do I get to Musée Rodin?

The Paris metro is a convenient and easy way to visit Musée Rodin. The museum can be reached via Line 13 at the Varenne stop or Line 8 at the Invalides stop.