This is the former Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century mansion where Auguste Rodin lived and worked, now holding the largest collection of his sculpture. The Thinker and the Gates of Hell are displayed in the garden alongside roses and clipped hedges, while the interior rooms show bronzes and marbles including versions of The Kiss.
The Musée Rodin occupies the Hôtel Biron at 77 Rue de Varenne in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, an 18th-century mansion in which Auguste Rodin worked in his later years. Rodin left his work to the French state, and the museum, which opened in 1919, holds the largest collection of his sculpture, with plaster casts, marbles, bronzes and drawings. Inside the mansion, rooms run through the artist's career and also show works by Camille Claudel and pieces from Rodin's own collection. The garden is the main draw. The Thinker stands in front of the building, the Gates of Hell stands to one side, and large bronzes such as The Burghers of Calais and the monument to Balzac are placed among clipped hedges, rose beds and a pond, rather than in a gallery. Visitors can choose a garden-only ticket, which is much cheaper than full admission and is well suited to a short visit. Photo angles favour The Thinker against the mansion facade and the Gates of Hell viewed from the gravel avenue. A visit typically lasts between 90 minutes and two and a half hours, longer if the museum café in the garden is used. Crowds are heaviest at midday and on weekends and holidays, and the museum is quietest on weekday afternoons and just before closing. The Dôme des Invalides rises just beyond the garden wall, which makes a good pairing on the same afternoon. The museum is closed on Mondays, and the garden is at its best from late spring to early autumn when the roses are in bloom. Visitors are advised to book timed tickets online to bypass the ticket queue.
| Admission | €14 adults; garden only €4; free under 18 (~$15.25 / ~$4.35) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Sun 10:00–18:30 (last entry 17:45); closed Mon |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Best time | Wednesday afternoons for smallest crowds; garden remains beautiful in all seasons |
| Getting there | Métro 13 to Varenne; Métro 8/13 to Invalides; Bus 69, 82, 87 |
| Address | 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France |
Location
77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
48.8554, 2.3162 View on map
Highlights
- The Thinker and the Gates of Hell in the garden
- The Burghers of Calais and the monument to Balzac among the hedges
- Rodin's marbles and plaster studies inside the Hôtel Biron
- Works by Camille Claudel displayed in the mansion
- The rose garden and the Invalides dome beyond the wall
Tips for visiting
- Buy the garden-only ticket if time is short, since the main sculptures are outdoors.
- Book timed entry online to avoid the ticket line, especially on weekends.
- Visit on weekday afternoons for the thinnest crowds.
- Allow extra time in spring and summer, when the garden is at its best.
- Combine with the Hôtel des Invalides, a short walk away.
- Check the official site for free-entry days and reduced rates.
When to visit
Weekday afternoons for the smallest crowds, with late spring to early autumn the best period for the garden. Mornings are busiest with school and tour groups.
Accessibility
The garden paths are mostly flat and gravelled, and ground-floor rooms of the mansion are accessible. Some upper floors may require lifts or stairs, so visitors should confirm arrangements with the staff.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Musée Rodin take?
The museum and garden take around 90 minutes to two and a half hours. A garden-only visit can be done in about 45 minutes.
Is the garden-only ticket worth it?
Yes, for visitors with limited time, since the best-known sculptures such as The Thinker are in the garden. Full admission adds the mansion's indoor collection.
Is the Musée Rodin worth it for children?
The garden is spacious and suits families, with sculptures children can see up close. The museum interior is quieter and better for older children.
Is photography allowed?
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the garden and the galleries, without flash. Tripods are not allowed.