Visit the Musée Rodin in Paris and discover The Thinker, The Kiss and world-famous sculptures in a beautiful mansion and garden. Tickets, hours and tips inside.
The Musée Rodin is one of Paris’s most romantic and atmospheric museums. Set in a stunning 18th-century mansion surrounded by beautiful sculpture gardens, it houses the world’s greatest collection of works by Auguste Rodin — including two of the most iconic sculptures ever created: The Thinker and The Kiss.
Unlike most Paris museums, the Musée Rodin offers a uniquely intimate experience — art discovered at your own pace, indoors and outdoors, in one of the most beautiful settings in the city.
What Is the Musée Rodin?
The Musée Rodin is a national museum dedicated entirely to the life and work of French sculptor Auguste Rodin (1840–1917), widely considered the father of modern sculpture. Located in the 7th arrondissement, just a short walk from Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, the museum occupies the Hôtel Biron — an elegant 18th-century mansion where Rodin lived and worked in his final years.
The museum holds over 6,000 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, and thousands of photographs and letters, displayed both inside the mansion and across 2.8 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens.
Must-See Works
The Musée Rodin is home to some of the most celebrated sculptures in art history:
The Thinker (Le Penseur) Rodin’s most famous work, originally conceived as part of The Gates of Hell. The bronze figure sits in contemplation in the museum garden — one of the most photographed sculptures in the world.
The Kiss (Le Baiser) A breathtaking marble sculpture depicting two lovers locked in an embrace. One of the most tender and sensual works in the history of art, displayed inside the mansion.
The Gates of Hell (La Porte de l’Enfer) A monumental bronze door over 6 metres tall, inspired by Dante’s Inferno and containing 180 figures. A lifetime’s work and Rodin’s most ambitious creation.
The Burghers of Calais (Les Bourgeois de Calais) A powerful bronze group depicting six civic leaders sacrificing themselves to save their city — one of Rodin’s greatest public commissions.
Camille Claudel Works The museum also displays significant works by Camille Claudel, Rodin’s gifted student and companion, including The Age of Maturity and The Waltz.
The Sculpture Garden
One of the greatest pleasures of the Musée Rodin is its garden — one of the most beautiful in Paris. Spreading across nearly 3 hectares, it features:
- Bronze masterpieces displayed among rose bushes and manicured lawns
- A reflecting pool with weeping willows
- The iconic Thinker overlooking the Invalides dome
- Peaceful pathways ideal for a slow, contemplative visit
- A charming garden café perfect for a break between sculptures
The garden alone is worth the visit — and is accessible with a reduced ticket.
The Hôtel Biron – A Museum in a Mansion
The building itself is as remarkable as the art inside. The Hôtel Biron is a masterpiece of 18th-century Parisian architecture, with:
- Elegant rococo interiors and period panelling
- Tall windows flooding rooms with natural light
- Rodin’s personal studio recreated with original tools and works in progress
- A fascinating permanent display on Rodin’s life, techniques, and creative process
Practical Information
Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Opening Hours:
- Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Admission:
- Full price: €14
- Garden only: €4
- Free for visitors under 18
- Free for EU residents under 26
- Free on the first Sunday of each month
Nearest Metro:
- Varenne (line 13)
- Invalides (lines 8 & 13)
Tips for Visiting the Musée Rodin
- Start in the garden — visit The Thinker and the outdoor sculptures first, before the crowds arrive
- Buy the garden-only ticket if you’re short on time — at €4 it’s one of the best value experiences in Paris
- Visit on a weekday morning for the most peaceful experience
- Take your time with The Kiss — it’s displayed inside in a quiet room and deserves close attention
- Have a coffee at the garden café — one of the most pleasant spots in Paris on a sunny day
- Combine with Les Invalides — just 10 minutes walk away, ideal for a full day in the 7th arrondissement
Nearby Attractions
- Les Invalides & Napoleon’s Tomb – 10 min walk
- Musée d’Orsay – 15 min walk
- Eiffel Tower – 20 min walk
- Assemblée Nationale – 10 min walk
- Jardin du Luxembourg – 20 min walk
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit the Musée Rodin?
A full ticket costs €14. Garden-only access costs €4. Free for under 18s, EU residents under 26, and for everyone on the first Sunday of each month.
What is the most famous sculpture at the Musée Rodin?
The Thinker is the most famous, displayed in the garden. Inside, The Kiss is equally iconic and draws huge admiration from visitors.
Is the Musée Rodin worth visiting?
Absolutely. The combination of world-class sculpture, a beautiful 18th-century mansion, and one of Paris’s finest gardens makes it one of the most rewarding museum experiences in the city.
How long should I spend at the Musée Rodin?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable visit covering both the mansion and the garden.
Is the Musée Rodin open on Mondays?
No — it is closed on Mondays. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
Can I visit just the garden at the Musée Rodin?
Yes — a garden-only ticket costs €4
, giving access to the outdoor sculptures including The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais.
Where is the Musée Rodin located?
At 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, in the 7th arrondissement, close to Les Invalides and a 20-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
Who was Camille Claudel and why is she at the Musée Rodin?
Camille Claudel was a brilliant sculptor and Rodin’s student and companion. The museum displays several of her major works alongside Rodin’s, recognising her as a major artist in her own right.
Internal Links
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