Musée Rodin
Good for: Sculpture Lovers · Garden Enthusiasts · Romantic Paris Visits
1919
Museum Opened
3 ha
Sculpture Garden
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Musée Rodin in Paris, France — rodin gifted his entire collection to the French state in 1916 on the condition that it be displayed in the Hôtel Biron, the eighteenth-century mansion where he had been working. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed Mondays). Admission: €14 standard admission. Book timed-entry tickets ahead in peak season. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin is devoted to the life and work of Auguste Rodin, displayed in the Hôtel Biron — the eighteenth-century mansion where the sculptor rented a studio from 1908. Rodin donated his entire collection to France in 1916 on condition it remain in the building.
The museum opened in 1919 and combines interior galleries with three hectares of sculpture gardens. The gardens hold some of Rodin's most famous works in bronze — The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, The Burghers of Calais — set among rose beds and shaded alleys.
Inside, rooms display marble and plaster versions of The Kiss, Monument to Balzac, and hundreds of studies for major commissions. Rodin's personal collection of antiquities and works by Van Gogh, Renoir, and Munch reveal his artistic dialogues.
Located on Rue de Varenne in the seventh arrondissement, the museum is a five-minute walk from Les Invalides and one of the most beloved small museums in Paris.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 5 must-see highlights at Musée Rodin without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
The Thinker
📍 Garden, central path
Rodin's most iconic bronze — a seated figure in contemplation, originally conceived as part of The Gates of Hell.
- 2
The Kiss
📍 Ground Floor Gallery
A marble of Paolo and Francesca from Dante's Inferno, locked in eternal embrace.
- 3
The Gates of Hell
📍 Garden, near The Thinker
Rodin's monumental portal inspired by Dante, never fully cast in his lifetime.
- 4
The Burghers of Calais
📍 Garden, west lawn
Six citizens of Calais who offered their lives to save their city during the Hundred Years' War, shown in anguished procession.
- 5
Monument to Balzac
📍 Garden
Rodin's controversial monument to the novelist, cloaked in a shapeless robe that scandalised critics but is now considered a masterpiece.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Musée Rodin — and why they matter.
The Thinker
Auguste Rodin · 1880–1882
📍 Garden, central path
Rodin's most iconic bronze — a seated figure in contemplation, originally conceived as part of The Gates of Hell.
The Kiss
Auguste Rodin · 1882
📍 Ground Floor Gallery
A marble of Paolo and Francesca from Dante's Inferno, locked in eternal embrace. Multiple versions exist; the museum's marble is among the finest.
The Gates of Hell
Auguste Rodin · 1880–1917
📍 Garden, near The Thinker
Rodin's monumental portal inspired by Dante, never fully cast in his lifetime. The bronze in the garden includes The Thinker at its summit.
The Burghers of Calais
Auguste Rodin · 1884–1889
📍 Garden, west lawn
Six citizens of Calais who offered their lives to save their city during the Hundred Years' War, shown in anguished procession.
Monument to Balzac
Auguste Rodin · 1898
📍 Garden
Rodin's controversial monument to the novelist, cloaked in a shapeless robe that scandalised critics but is now considered a masterpiece.
Collections & highlights
- • Rodin sculpture — marble, bronze, plaster
- • The Thinker, The Kiss, Gates of Hell
- • Three-hectare sculpture garden
- • Rodin's personal art collection
- • Drawings and watercolours
- • Camille Claudel works
- • Antiquities that inspired Rodin
- • Temporary exhibitions in the chapel
Famous works in our collection guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I just visit the garden?
Yes, a discounted garden-only ticket is available.
Is the museum near Les Invalides?
Yes, it is a five-minute walk from the Hôtel des Invalides.
How long should I spend at Musée Rodin?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Musée Rodin best known for?
Rodin gifted his entire collection to the French state in 1916 on the condition that it be displayed in the Hôtel Biron, the eighteenth-century mansion where he had been working. The museum opened in 1919 and remains one of Paris's most beloved small institutions. Key highlights include The Thinker, The Kiss, The Gates of Hell.
How do I get tickets for Musée Rodin?
€14 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en
Are Camille Claudel's works displayed?
Yes — the museum holds several works by Claudel, Rodin's student and collaborator, displayed in dedicated galleries.
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