The Rodin Museum is often cited as one of the capital’s most beautiful museums! It must be said that this museum, nestled in a magnificent 18th-century mansion, is full of charm… Between its gardens, its exceptional view of the Panthéon, and its 18 rooms dedicated to the artist’s work, you’re sure to be delighted. Yet when Auguste Rodin discovered it in 1908, it was on the verge of abandonment… Let us tell you its story!
An abandoned mansion, later transformed by the artist
It was in 1908 that Auguste Rodin fell under the spell of the Hôtel Biron. Built by architect Jean Aubert in 1732, the Rococo-style building had all the makings of a charming place. Unfortunately, a succession of owners and poor maintenance had taken their toll on its beauty by the time Rodin discovered it.
10 November 2026 10:00 + more dates
Musée Rodin
Located in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, the sculptor initially rented four rooms on the ground floor and set up his studios there. He wasn’t the only tenant; Jean Cocteau, Henri Matisse, and even the dancer Isadora Duncan also lived there for a time. But in 1911, tragedy struck: the property was sold to the government, which planned to turn it into a high school. While all the tenants agreed, Auguste Rodin did not, and he campaigned for the building to be purchased.
In 1916, it was officially confirmed: the Hôtel Biron would indeed become the Rodin Museum! Since then, it has been designated a historic monument and has undergone extensive renovations. There you’ll see the sculptor’s iconic works, such as “The Thinker,” “The Kiss,” and “The Gates of Hell.” It’s a simply fascinating museum that will give you a sense of the full extent of this extraordinary artist’s talent.