The mansion served as a residence for several notable figures, including the writer Jean Cocteau and the painter Henri Matisse, before Rodin moved in.
Rodin donated his entire collection of sculptures, drawings, and antiques to the French state in 1916 on the condition that they would be housed in the Hôtel Biron.
The Gates of Hell was originally commissioned as a portal for a decorative arts museum that was never built.
The museum grounds include a 'Orpheus' garden, specifically designed to display the darker, more melancholic works of the sculptor.
Auguste Rodin personally oversaw the curation of his works within the Hôtel Biron before his death in 1917.
The Musée Rodin is housed in the Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century private mansion where sculptor Auguste Rodin lived and worked during his final years. The museum preserves a vast collection of his bronzes, marbles, and drawings, including his most famous works. A significant portion of the collection is displayed in the surrounding three-hectare garden, which features landscaped lawns, rose beds, and integrated sculptures. Visitors can view The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais in their original outdoor settings. The interior of the mansion maintains original architectural details such as period wood paneling and decorative moldings. It remains one of the few artist-dedicated museums in Paris that offers a synthesis of indoor gallery space and natural sculpture environments. The collection also includes works by Camille Claudel and pieces from Rodin's personal collection of antique art.
The path facing The Thinker with the Hôtel Biron mansion as the background.
Purchase a combined ticket if you wish to access the temporary exhibition gallery, which is separate from the main mansion collection.
The garden paths can be uneven, so prioritize comfortable walking shoes despite the urban setting.
Check the museum's digital schedule before visiting, as specific garden areas may occasionally close for event maintenance.
Do not rush through the mansion; the outdoor garden is an essential half of the museum experience often overlooked by those who only view the indoor galleries.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Photography is permitted without flash; touching sculptures is strictly prohibited; quiet behavior is required in the galleries.
