The Bourdelle Museum in Montparnasse preserves sculptor Antoine Bourdelle’s former studio at 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle. Its rooms and garden bring together small studies and monumental works in marble, bronze and wood, including Héraklès archer and Centaure mourant. Displays also explain how sculptures are made, and temporary exhibitions add another perspective. The permanent collection is free to visit. Leave time to walk among the garden sculptures, then pause at the museum café or terrace.
Bourdelle’s studio and collection
The museum occupies Antoine Bourdelle’s former studio in Montparnasse. Bourdelle lived and worked in Paris from 1861 to 1929. The studio complex became a museum in 1925, during his lifetime; after his death, Gabriel Cognacq provided funds to preserve the studio and his work.
Bourdelle was an apprentice to Auguste Rodin and later taught Henri Matisse and Alberto Giacometti. The collection gives space to both the scale of his public sculpture and the work behind it. Marble, bronze and wood pieces fill the lofty mezzanine, while smaller studies and plaster works offer a closer look at the development of a sculpture.
Sculpture indoors and out
The garden extends the visit beyond the gallery rooms, with monumental works placed among the outdoor spaces. Héraklès archer and Centaure mourant are two of the bronze sculptures highlighted in the collection. Moving between the interiors and garden lets you see how the works change in scale and setting.
Displays also explain technical aspects of sculpting, including the preparation of large works. The museum’s studio material and videos add context to the finished pieces. Temporary exhibitions bring additional subjects into the visit; admission to the permanent collection is free, while temporary exhibitions may require a paid ticket.
Planning your visit
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Monday. Set aside at least 45 minutes for a focused visit; allow longer if you want time for the garden and a break at the café or restaurant. Weekdays tend to be less busy than Paris’s major museums.
An audio-guide app is available, though following a particular display order can be difficult. The museum has portable seats for resting during your visit. You can finish at the café or restaurant, including the terrace, where you can sit with a drink or have lunch.
FAQ
Is the Bourdelle Museum free?
The permanent collection is free to visit. Temporary exhibitions may have a separate admission charge.
How long should I spend at the Bourdelle Museum?
Allow at least 45 minutes. An hour or two gives you more time for the galleries and sculpture garden.
When is the Bourdelle Museum closed?
It is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday.
Can I eat at the Bourdelle Museum?
Yes. The museum has a café and restaurant, with a terrace for taking a break.
