Been away for ages busy with work and the like! Finally written 100th review with more to follow......
Been away for ages busy with work and the like! Finally written 100th review with more to follow...I hope!! Nick
Member since:10.11.2003
Reviews:102
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The Rodin Museum (Musee de Rodin) is probably one of the lesser known galleriesin Paris and celebrates the work of August Rodin who died in 1917 when he donated all of his work to the state of Paris.
What's here?
Most of Rodin's famous sculptures are on view at the Rodin Museum. Before visiting the museum I will admit that I head heard of Rodin but had only heard of his most famous works such as the Thinker.
The museum is located in a large house that is a former hotel as well as in the grounds and garden of the house. The whole museum will take you less than 2 hours to visit if you take your time and you could do it in half an hour if pushed.
As this is one of the lesser known attractions in Paris the house may seem a little shabby in comparison to grander places such as the Louvre but this is reflected in the entrance price and it is the art that is on show not the immaculately painted walls.
The grounds, however, are very well kept and offer a glittering array of flowers and fauna that perfectly complement Rodin's work. The most famous works in the garden include The Gates of Hell which are made from bronze as well as the Thinker.
There is a lovely new section that offers views of aroudn 20 works in a self conatiend unit that is beautifully lit: even on a bright summer day!
Inside there are two floors of sculptures by Rodin as well as a range of paintings by famous artists including Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir... there are only a few paintings though and they are not amongst the artists most famous works but are well worth seeing. The sculptures are well spaced out in the room and an informal atmosphere and lots of chairs dotted around allows people to sit and think and take in the atmosphere.
There were lots of local students here when I visited sketching the sculptures which really added to the artisan feel of the place.
All the sculptures have a label attached including the date and name but explanations are in FRENCH only so a guide book may help to translate for you if you do not parlour francais!
Shop and facilities: Of course there is a gift shop that sells a glittering array of books etc about Rodin as well as postcards. Although it is obviously a commercial concern the shop sells very reasonably priced postcards of Rodin's works as well as some very good children's books.
In the gardens, you will find a cafe which offers a good range of drinks and snacks and tables both outside and inside overlooking the main house. This is also where you will find the toilets (small charge payable locally)
Access: Printed guides are provided free of charge in the main house (in a variety of languages).
There is no disabled access to the 2nd floor of the house but I think that wheelchair users should be able to access the ground floor and gardens easily.
An audio tape with commentary on the exhibitions is available in a variety of languages for a small charge (payable locally).
NOTE: You are not allowed to carry large bags around the main house and these must be checked in (hand bags are permitted though).
Cost: 5 Euros for adults aged over 25 3 Euros for concessionaires (including adults aged 18 to 25)
The cost of entry is for both the museum and the gardens or you can pay 1 Euro to visit the gardens only.
Opening times: In the summer the gardens and house are open from 9.30am until 5.45pm and the last entry is at 5.15pm.
How to get there? The Musee de Rodin is not the most easy place to find and it is not found on a huge number of maps but it is within easy walking distance of the main RER station INVALIDES and is close to the Museum of Natural History (just around the corner in fact!)
The best station to exit at is Invalides and it is then about a ten minute walk to the Musuem (it is not signposted at all until you get a few streets away so mark your map before you get there!)
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Jun 12th, 2004
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