On Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, the Rodin Museum is devoted to the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Its collection of more than 140 works includes bronzes, marble and plaster sculptures, drawings and studies, with pieces from across his career. Look for The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell, then follow the formal garden to the reflecting pool and outdoor sculptures. The Beaux-Arts building opened in 1929; its intimate galleries and garden give you room to pause over Rodin’s treatment of the human form.
A museum built around Rodin
The Rodin Museum opened in 1929 to display a collection assembled by Philadelphia philanthropist Jules E. Mastbaum. His interest began with a sculpture he bought in Paris in 1924. He went on to collect more than 200 works by Auguste Rodin and established the museum to make the collection available to the public.
The museum was designed by architects Paul Cret and Jacques Gréber. Its Beaux-Arts building sits on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, between the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The collection focuses on one artist, offering a close look at Rodin’s sculpture rather than a survey of many periods or subjects.
What to look for in the collection
More than 140 works are displayed across the museum and grounds. Bronzes, marbles and plaster pieces represent different stages of Rodin’s career; drawings and studies add another view of his work. The Thinker is positioned near the entrance, while The Gates of Hell, a monumental bronze composition, is displayed outside. The Kiss is another prominent work in the collection.
Look beyond the best-known sculptures for pieces that show Rodin’s interest in the human body and its expressive possibilities. Rodin’s Hands brings that theme into focus. Other works to seek out include Colossal Head of Balzac, Eternal Springtime, Jules Bastien-Lepage and Mask of the Man with the Broken Nose. The museum has also presented work by Camille Claudel and Henri Gréber.
The garden and outdoor sculptures
A formal garden leads into the museum and includes sculptures among its plantings. The outdoor setting continues the visit beyond the galleries, with a reflecting pool and The Gates of Hell among its features. The garden is open to the public free of charge, so you can see the grounds without entering the museum.
The garden has seasonal plantings, including tulips and daffodils. Take time to view the sculptures from different points along the grounds, then return to the building for the indoor collection. The contrast between the outdoor works and the smaller galleries gives the visit two distinct settings.
Planning your visit
The museum is at 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, close to both the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You can make it part of a day exploring the Parkway’s museums, or visit the garden on its own. Weekday and early-day visits are suggested for a quieter experience.
Admission is pay what you wish, and visitors under 18 enter free. Tickets in advance are recommended. The museum has a café, restrooms and a gift shop, and the entrance and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. If you are planning a group visit, the museum also offers tours.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the Rodin Museum free?
Admission is pay what you wish. Visitors under 18 enter free, and the garden is free to visit.
What is the Rodin Museum known for?
It is dedicated to Auguste Rodin and holds a major collection of his work outside Paris. Highlights include The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell.
Can you visit the garden without going inside?
Yes. The garden is free and open to the public, with outdoor sculptures and a reflecting pool.
How do I get tickets?
The museum recommends getting tickets in advance. Admission is pay what you wish.
