The Rodin Garden

One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy some fresh air and art at the same time is to spend a few hours at the Musée Rodin.  The museum is located in the former Hôtel Biron built in the late 1720's.  Auguste Rodin began living there in 1908.

Rodin donated his entire collection of sculptures and artwork to the state on the condition that they turn the Hôtel Biron into a museum to display them.  The museum opened in 1919.  You have the option to purchase either a combined museum & garden ticket, or just a ticket to the garden.

In a prominent place near the garden entry is "Le Penseur" (The Thinker), surrounded by roses and meticulously groomed shrubs. 

The scent of roses fills the air in the first section of the garden.

The garden is so large that it could really be described as a park, and there are many of Rodin's sculptures placed throughout.

The Dôme des Invalides is visible over the wall of the garden.

"The Gates of Hell" was inspired by Dante's "Divine Comedy".  It was one of Rodin's first commissions and was originally intended to be the door for a Decorative Arts museum.  You can see the Thinker and other important sculptures incorporated into the panels.