The Rodin Museum, or Musee Rodin as it is known in France is dedicated to the renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Rodin is recognized as the leading French sculptor of his day and one of the greatest of all time. Many of his most significant works including The Kiss, The Gates of Hell and The Thinker are displayed at the site. The museum building, a lavish rococo-style 18th century edifice is a scenic attraction in its own right. With an expansive display area spread over two floors, the visitor will see that many of the images feature emotions and the human form. The surrounding gardens at the premises are just as lovely as the building, and many of the sculptures are placed here. An informal restaurant and a small lake can be seen behind the building.
The museum possesses an interesting history. While living in the suburbs of Paris, Rodin used the Hotel Biron todays gallery building as his workshop. He left his entire sculpture collection, along with valuable paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Vincent van Gogh that he possessed, to the state of France, on condition that a showcase for his works was created at the site devoted to his artworks. This was duly done, and today the visitor can admire and fully appreciate the masterly creations of this unique artist.
The gallery is situated in proximity to the Invalides, the resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. In total the museum features approximately 6,600 sculptures, all created by the masterly hands of Rodin. These works of art are displayed both in the Paris gallery and the Villa des Brillants, a home once owned by Rodin. These sculptures are formed of diverse materials such as plaster, terracotta, marble, bronze, stoneware, wax and molten glass, showing the wide-ranging mastery of the artist. Of these the marble and bronze creations are displayed at the Paris venue.
Rodin is also the creator of numerous drawings and paintings which may be seen at the museum; it is said that he painted before he commenced his career as a sculptor, and liked creating portraits of his friends and family. His unique drawings have been acclaimed, as they are completely distinct from his work as a sculptor.
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