At 77 Rue de Varenne in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, the Musée Rodin presents Auguste Rodin’s sculpture in the Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century mansion he used as a studio. The collection continues outdoors in the garden, where works such as The Thinker and The Gates of Hell stand among trees and paths. Indoors, look for sculptures, drawings and pieces by Camille Claudel, as well as paintings from Rodin’s collection. The museum’s smaller scale and quieter setting make it a considered alternative to a full day in a larger Paris museum.
The Hôtel Biron and Rodin’s museum
The Musée Rodin occupies the Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century mansion in Paris’s 7th arrondissement. Built between 1727 and 1732, the building later became part of Auguste Rodin’s working life: he used it as a studio from 1908. The museum opened in 1919, two years after his death.
Rodin gave his works and personal collection to the French state on the condition that the Hôtel Biron become a museum devoted to his art. The building’s rooms now hold sculpture and works on paper, bringing the artist’s work into the place where he once worked.
Sculptures inside the mansion
The collection includes celebrated works such as The Kiss and The Thinker, along with sculptures in bronze, marble and plaster. The displays also include studies, portraits and drawings, so you can look beyond finished works to the forms and ideas Rodin returned to across his career.
Several versions and stages of works are represented. Seeing these pieces at close range helps you notice changes in surface, pose and expression. Some figures and groups associated with The Gates of Hell are also shown indoors, alongside the larger work in the garden.
The museum’s collection extends beyond Rodin. It includes work by Camille Claudel, as well as paintings by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, which Rodin had collected.
The garden works
Rodin’s sculpture garden continues the visit outdoors, with monumental works placed among trees, paths and planted areas. The Thinker and The Gates of Hell are among the pieces displayed here; The Burghers of Calais is another notable work in the grounds. Their outdoor setting gives you room to walk around the sculptures and see how their forms change from different angles.
The garden is a substantial part of the museum, not just a route between galleries. Set aside time to explore it after the mansion, and pause to look closely at the texture and details of the sculptures. The grounds also provide a calmer setting than the indoor galleries.
Planning your visit
The museum is at 77 Rue de Varenne. It is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday, with last closing at 5:45 PM. Tickets in advance are recommended, particularly if you want to avoid waiting at the entrance. An audio guide is available for visitors who want additional explanation as they move through the collection.
Plan for at least two hours if you intend to see both the mansion and the garden. The museum is wheelchair accessible, including its entrance and restrooms. There is also a café on site, and the gift shop sells souvenirs.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the Musée Rodin?
Allow at least two hours to visit both the mansion and the garden.
Which famous sculptures can I see?
The collection includes The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell. The garden also displays The Burghers of Calais.
Is the Musée Rodin wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum has an accessible entrance and restrooms.
When is the Musée Rodin open?
It is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 5:45 PM.
