Musée Rodin - Paris

Rodin's life-size work

Rodin spent his last days here, in the Hôtel Biron, a beautiful 18th-century mansion. In 1916, a year before his death, he bequeathed his life’s work and all his belongings to the French state, on the condition that it bought the building and turned it into the Rodin Museum. The museum opened in 1919 and there it exhibits the artist’s masterpieces, including iconic works like “The Thinker” and “The Kiss.” The layout of the museum is intended to show the artist’s creative process, using plaster works to illustrate the development of his oeuvre. Organised both chronologically and thematically, the display includes works from Rodin’s own collection, from photographs and antiques to paintings, like Van Gogh’s “*Father Tanguy*” and “*The Thinker*” by Edvard Munch. There is also a moving section devoted to the works of Camille Claudel, the visionary sculptor’s lover and muse.

A romantic garden in the heart of Paris

Finish up your visit with a walk around the garden, which provides a stunning backdrop for the museum. Take a stroll around the expansive grounds, divided into woodlands, water gardens, rose gardens, lawns and flower beds, and there, nestled among the trees and bushes, discover… some of the artist’s major works! Displaying works from “The Burghers of Calais” to “The Gates of Hell,” Rodin’s bust of Balzac and “The Thinker”, the garden is a true open-air museum.

A café-restaurant in the shadow of Rodin's sculptures

Take a gourmet break in the heart of the garden. L'Augustine with its beautiful green terrace is a little haven of peace and greed under the leadership of the chef Amandine Chaignot who signs the dish and salad of the day. A range of light meals is also available throughout the day. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the pastries of the Maison Lenôtre.

Don't miss the Rodin Museum - Meudon, Rodin's last residence, that houses the plaster gallery.