A Winter Day at Musée Rodin

Nestled in the 7th arrondissement near Les Invalides, Musée Rodin stands as a testament to the timeless artistry of August Rodin, known as the founder of modern sculpture. The building originally functioned as Hôtel Biron, later turned into a studio for artists and ultimately transformed into a unique space inviting visitors on a captivating journey through the life and works of the iconic sculptor. As you wander through the museum's corridors, you will notice that it is specifically structured through a series of rooms to chronologically reflect Rodin’s life, revealing the impact of time on his art.

Front of Rodin (Image credit: Georgia Varrelmann)

Visiting Musée Rodin during the winter season gives you an interesting perspective. While some would assume the lack of typical colorful blooms in the garden and courtyards makes the museum less captivating, the muted tones of the area, rather, redirects your attention to the sculptures. This shift allows the focus to be on their beauty without the distraction of vibrant plants and flowers. Visiting during the winter also allows for a more intimate atmosphere inside to connect with the art without the bustling crowds of people. On a Tuesday visit at around noon, there were moments when I found just myself in a room.

Rooms of Rodin (Image credit: Georgia Varrelmann)

The museum makes the most of the uncrowded rooms during this time by hosting seasonal events and exhibitions. Events like Fashion Week, Waltz dance classes coupled with a bar and private dinners and cocktail parties could affect the closure of the gardens or rooms so I recommend checking the online schedule to see if any events are currently being held.  If the gardens are the main reason for visiting, I recommend dressing warmly to enjoy all that it has to offer.

Winter Gardens (Image credit: Georgia Varrelmann)

A particularly captivating room was number fifteen which is a dimensional playground, where Rodin’s mastery and interest in dimensions came to life. This room unraveled his artistic process, highlighting his love for experimentation, featuring a variety of the same sculptures in different sizes with added or removed elements. From speaking with a docent in this room, I learned that Rodin would personally create the molds, then oversee a team to complete the pieces. I recommend speaking with them as you may learn fascinating details about Auguste Rodin or the museum itself that you wouldn’t have known otherwise.

The thinker (Image credit: Georgia Varrelmann)

Surrounded by exceptional sculptures, elegant courtyards, and vast gardens, the Musée Rodin is a calming museum to visit. Don't miss the chance to unwind at the quaint café you can find within the gardens. The museum promises a timeless escape into the world of sculptural brilliance, regardless of the season.