Continuing with our series, The Art of Paris, a visit to the Musée Rodin was a great way to start our visit to Paris. I had been to Paris once before on a quick three day layover between Istanbul and Austin, but had not visited the Rodin. I made sure we were able to go this time. In my art appreciation, one of my weaknesses is sculpture. However, I had recently attended a few lectures at the Kimbell Art Museum and my interest and understanding was growing. Also, one of our good friends loves Auguste Rodin and was telling us all about her experience there at the museum. So we made our visit to the museum a priority.
The Thinker
David and I decided on purchasing the Paris Museum Pass as opposed to the Paris Pass. After doing the math, we realized it was a much better deal for us. You can purchase the pass at any attraction where it is accepted. We purchased our Museum Pass at the Musée Rodin where the lines are much shorter than some of the other museums like The Louvre. This is a great way to save some valuable time.
We had arrived at our hotel in Paris at 1:00 AM the night before. So by the time we rested up, stopped at a grocery store across the street to load up on cheese, fruit, bread, and a bottle of wine, purchased Metro Passes and made it to the museum, we knew we would be hungry for lunch. After we walked in, we found a shaded bench in the gardens, ate lunch, and enjoyed the peaceful environment before starting to explore.
The Kiss
The most iconic sculptures located in the museum are The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell. We made sure to seek these out.
Before we went inside the building, we strolled through the gardens, viewing many stunning pieces including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. The Thinker is a little hidden from site behind some classic French-styled manicured bushes near the house. The location is nice because the isolation gives you a little space away from others to stop and meditate on the sculpture. You can walk completely around the artwork to catch him from every angle. It really made me stop and contemplate what The Thinker is pondering. Its simplicity somehow creates depth.
The Gates of Hell
Also in the gardens you will find The Gates of Hell. The sculpture is a compilation of many of Rodin’s other pieces, some of which are also located in the gardens. These scenes represent Rodin’s interpretation of Dante’s Inferno. Wow. There is a lot going on. Some of the images are downright disturbing. You can spend quite a bit of time looking at the people who are in hell and how they are being tortured. Rodin even captures the torment in their faces. It is very powerful. Looking at The Gates of Hell, you can find The Thinker, Dante himself, pondering the hellish scene below him.
The museum continues inside Auguste Rodin’s own home, a gorgeous building. In a gallery on the ground floor, you will find The Kiss. Taking a moment, I walked around the marble sculpture, catching these lovers in this magical and tender moment. Going from the torment of hell to the delicate passion of The Kiss really illustrated the depth of Rodin’s talent. It was lovely!
There are many other outstanding pieces of art in this museum. Plan for at least an hour visit.
If you cannot make it the Musée Rodin, you can find copies of Rodin’s work at other locations around Paris. In the rain, we ran by a bronze castings of The Kiss in the Tuileries Garden outside the Louvre. Also, a second version of The Gates of Hell is displayed at the Musée d’Orsay.
Please note, the Musée Rodin is closed on Mondays.
The Three Fates
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