Musée Bourdelle

The museum recounts the life of Antoine Bourdelle. A student of Rodin, then teacher to Giacometti, Germaine Richier and Vieira da Silva, he was one of the great French sculptors of the last century. His former house and workshop oozes authenticity. It is, along with the Musée Zadkine, among one of the few artist studios still preserved in Paris; access to the permanent collection is free.

The entrance hall sets the tone: under red-brick arches, bronzes immerse you in an atmosphere of antiquity. In the great hall, plaster sculptures imbue a majestic air. To admire the bronzes, take a stroll through the two courtyard gardens. There, among the luxuriant vegetation, you can contemplate works inlcuding the “Centaure mourant” (Dying Centaur) and “La France”. A third courtyard hosts sculptures of varying sizes, including the impressive “Héraklès archer” (Hercules the Archer).

Intimate tour

Visits to the artist’s private apartment and his original studio have been conceived as an intimate journey into his life. Alongside period furniture, including his divan, and sketches, visitors discover a whole collection of objects dear to the artist. The historical rooms trace Bourdelle’s oeuvre chronologically, through archival documents and photographs.

In the new wing, designed by the architect Christian de Portzamparc and inaugurated in 1992, you will find sculpture rooms and a temporary exhibition space. Upstairs, take advantage of the view of the gardens from the museum terrace. And stop for a refreshing break in the new "Rhodia" tea room, run by chef Jean-René Chassignol. A gourmet menu that makes you want to linger in the shade of the master's magnificent sculptures!

Inside the Homes of Exceptional Artists just outside Paris.