Rodin Museum | Philadelphia

The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia is a premier cultural destination dedicated to the works of the renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin. It holds one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Rodin’s sculptures outside of Paris, making it a must-visit for art lovers and tourists exploring the city’s vibrant museum district along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Historical and Architectural Overview

The Rodin Museum was established in 1929 thanks to the philanthropy of Jules Mastbaum, a movie theater magnate who wished to bring Rodin’s masterpieces to Philadelphia. The museum building was designed by the prominent architect Paul Philippe Cret in the Beaux-Arts style, a classical and elegant architectural style emphasizing symmetry and grand proportions.

Surrounding the museum is a formal French-style garden originally designed by the French landscape architect Jacques Gréber, who collaborated with Cret. The garden creates a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere, perfectly complementing the sculptures. This outdoor space was carefully restored in recent years to recapture its original layout and beauty.

The Collection: Masterpieces of Auguste Rodin

The museum’s collection consists of more than 100 sculptures, including many of Rodin’s most famous and significant works. The sculptures are displayed both inside the museum and throughout the garden, offering visitors a dynamic experience blending art and nature.

Key highlights include:

The Thinker: Perhaps Rodin’s most iconic sculpture, this bronze figure represents a man lost deep in thought. Originally conceived as part of The Gates of Hell, this work has become a universal symbol of contemplation and intellectual activity.

The Kiss: A sensuous marble sculpture that depicts two lovers in a passionate embrace. The piece captures both the tenderness and intensity of romantic love, showcasing Rodin’s skill in portraying human emotion.

The Burghers of Calais: This powerful bronze group sculpture commemorates six citizens who, during the Hundred Years' War, bravely offered themselves as hostages to save their city. The figures express deep sorrow, courage, and sacrifice.

The Gates of Hell: A monumental bronze door inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, this piece features over 200 figures intertwined in dramatic scenes of suffering and torment. It includes many smaller works that Rodin later developed into independent sculptures.

Young Mother in the Grotto: This tender piece captures the intimacy and warmth of maternal love, emphasizing Rodin’s humanistic and emotional approach to sculpture.

Visitor Experience

The museum’s layout allows visitors to explore the sculptures both indoors and outdoors. The garden is a highlight, offering a serene setting where many sculptures are placed among beautifully maintained flower beds, trees, and pathways.

The museum also hosts special exhibitions, educational programs, and community events that deepen appreciation for Rodin’s work and sculpture art in general.

Practical Information

Location: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Opening Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays and major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and July 4th)

Admission: Pay-what-you-wish, with a suggested donation of $10 for adults. Discounts available for seniors, students, and youth; children 12 and under are admitted free.

Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators to ensure all visitors can enjoy the collections comfortably.

Parking and Transportation: Limited street parking is available, but visitors are encouraged to use nearby parking garages, such as the one at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum is accessible by SEPTA buses and the PHLASH tourist trolley service.

Nearby Attractions

The Rodin Museum sits in Philadelphia’s renowned Museum District, close to other cultural landmarks like:

Philadelphia Museum of Art (famous for the "Rocky Steps")

The Barnes Foundation (impressive modern art collection)

The Franklin Institute (interactive science museum)

This location makes the Rodin Museum an excellent stop as part of a full-day cultural tour of Philadelphia.

Summary

The Rodin Museum is more than just a repository of sculptures; it is a beautifully designed cultural space that invites reflection, appreciation of human emotion and creativity, and immersion in the legacy of one of the greatest sculptors in history. Its harmonious blend of art, architecture, and landscape offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages and interests.