In short
Housed in the 18th-century Hôtel Biron, the Rodin Museum houses the largest and richest collection of works by the celebrated master Auguste Rodin. Its picturesque tree-lined park serves as an open-air gallery, allowing visitors to admire his most famous sculptural creations fused with the surrounding vegetation.
Period: founded in 1919 (building from 1732)
Architecture: Rococo and Classical
Artistic movements: modern sculpture, realism and pre-expressionism
Best time: Late morning for a stroll in the sunny gardens
☰ Table of Contents
Rodin Museum Opening Hours and Prices
Find out how and when to access the Royal Galleries and plan your cultural visit without any surprises.
Opening hours
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Tue - Sun 10:00 - 18:30
Last admission 45 minutes before
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Ordinary closures
Every Monday, January 1st, May 1st, December 25th
Prices
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Adults from €15
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Free entry Free
Minors under 18, disabled people with companion, EU Under 26s
What to see at the Rodin Museum
Enter the wings of the palace to admire up close the paintings and sculptures that have marked the entire evolution of the history of art.
The Thinker
Admire Rodin's most famous sculpture, perched on a high pedestal among the trees.
The Kiss
Observe the monumental block of white marble that conveys an extraordinary and fluid sensuality.
The Gates of Hell
Be amazed by the colossal bronze structure inspired by Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.
Rodin's Private Collections Not to be Missed
Explore the interior rooms that house the sculptor's personal paintings, including historic works by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and the works of sculptor Camille Claudel.
The sculpture garden
Discover the magnificent three-hectare park that houses masterpieces scattered among the bushes, such as The Burghers of Calais and the monument dedicated to Honoré de Balzac.
Visiting the Rodin Museum
A few quick tips to help you enjoy your stay in the palace without losing your bearings.
Best moment
At ten o'clock at the opening to enjoy the park in solitude.
Crowding
Moderate and pleasant, well distributed along the large open spaces.
Suitable for children
Yes, for the large green spaces where you can walk freely.
What not to miss
The room dedicated entirely to the tormented sculptures of Camille Claudel.
Type of experience
Poetic, Parisian, relaxing and full of visual harmony.
What to expect
Decorated halls, flower-lined paths and sculptures immersed in nature.
How to visit the Rodin Museum
You can access it by crossing the main entrance on Rue de Varenne. It's best to begin your tour in the interior rooms of the 18th-century palace and then conclude your journey with a relaxing stroll along the park's paths.
Need to know
- The structure was born as a sumptuous private residence for a wealthy hairdresser.
- Auguste Rodin lived and worked in this palace in his last years.
- The sculptor donated all his works to the State in exchange for the museum.
- Among the famous tenants of the building was also the painter Henri Matisse.
Practical advice
- Purchase your time slot on the web portal to skip the lines with online tickets.
- Choose a sunny day to fully enjoy the magnificent rose gardens.
- Rent the audio guide to discover the details of the master's life.
- Visit the small bar located in the garden for a relaxing break.
How to get to the Rodin Museum
The museum is located in the elegant seventh arrondissement, a very short distance from the monumental complex of Les Invalides.
Line 13 stops at the convenient and nearby Varenne station.
Line C serves the Invalides underground station, seven minutes away.
Lines 69, 82, 87 and 92 stop nearby.
Walk along Boulevard des Invalides starting from the south bank of the Seine.
77 Rue de Varenne, 75007
Official Transport Paris
- Paris Metro Map
- RER tickets and fares
- Taxis in Paris (numbers and alternatives)
History of the Rodin Museum
In 1732, architect Jean-Aubert completed construction of an extraordinary and sumptuous noble residence, later known as the Hôtel Biron. The palace was a masterpiece of Parisian Rococo architecture, surrounded by an immense private park. During the 19th century, the structure became the home of a women's religious institute, undergoing several internal modifications before being purchased by the French state and transformed into an artists' residence.
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Beginning in 1908, the sculptor Auguste Rodin decided to rent four rooms on the ground floor of the building to use as a studio and workspace. The artist immediately fell in love with the light streaming through the large windows and the decadent charm of the wild garden, where he loved to arrange his plaster models and antique Parisian sculptures among the undergrowth.
In 1911, when the state decided to sell the building, Rodin proposed a revolutionary deal: he would donate his entire personal collection, the original casts, drawings, and reproduction rights of his works of art to public institutions, on the condition that the government would transform the Hôtel Biron into the definitive museum dedicated to him. The deal came to fruition despite heated political discussions.
The Rodin Museum officially opened its doors to the public in 1919, two years after the great master's death. Over the years, the gardens have been completely redesigned and restored, recreating the perfect balance between the muscular forms of the bronzes and the geometry of the hedges. Today, the site is one of the most beloved and visited monographic museums in all of France.
Curiosities about the Rodin Museum
Some little gems from the JustParigi staff.
The hidden signature: on the bronze base of the famous sculpture of the Thinker you can see the autograph signature engraved directly by the hands of Auguste Rodin.
Works saved from fire: during the historical turmoil, plaster casts of the main works were hidden in the basement to avoid destruction in the war.
A tormented love: the museum exhibits several sculptural masterpieces by Camille Claudel, the master's pupil, model and unfortunate lover.
The numbered bronzes: the French State owns the original casts and continues to periodically cast official and numbered copies of Rodin's sculptures.
Rodin Museum Tickets and Tours
Find accommodation near the Rodin Museum
The Les Invalides area, which includes the Rodin Museum, is perfect for a stay with children or a couple's getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit just the garden without paying for the inside?
Yes, there is a special, low-cost ticket dedicated exclusively to the sculpture park.
Where exactly is the statue of the Thinker located?
It is located at the beginning of the path in the gardens, on the right of the entrance.
Are the sculptures in the park copies or originals?
They are original bronzes cast from the casts that Rodin himself left to the State.
Does the museum ticket also include access to Napoleon's tomb?
No, they are two separate sites, but you can often find combined passes online.
What happens if it rains during the visit?
The palace remains usable, but the experience in the gardens will be severely compromised.
Are Camille Claudel's works located outside?
No, the collection dedicated to her is exhibited in the internal rooms of the palace.
Can we have a picnic on the rose garden lawn?
No, walking on the grass is prohibited, but there is an internal bar with tables.
Is the museum included in the Paris Museum Pass?
Yes, admission is included in the paper or digital city pass. Find out if it's worth it, depending on the type of vacation you're looking for.
