François-Auguste-René Rodin
November 12, 1840 – November 17, 1917

Sculpturally, Rodin possessed a unique ability to model a complex, turbulent, deeply pocketed surface in clay. Many of his most notable sculptures were roundly criticized during his lifetime. They clashed with the predominant figure sculpture tradition, in which works were decorative, formulaic, or highly thematic. Rodin’s most original work departed from traditional themes of mythology and allegory, modeled the human body with realism, and celebrated individual character and physicality. Rodin was sensitive to the controversy surrounding his work, but refused to change his style. Successive works brought increasing favor from the government and the artistic community. — Wikipedia

The Musée Rodin is another one of those places that I visit each time I am in Paris. I don’t know if it is that I feel connected to Rodin, or to the building, or his work, or all of the above. When I visit the museum, I have a distinct feeling that I am visiting an artist’s home and studio, and while it is a formal museum, it has the feeling of being a home and Rodin’s work fits in the environment. I think many people who visit the museum feel that way, as you’ll find people taking advantage of the chairs and sketching from the various works placed around the rooms.

Musée Rodin
79, rue de Varenne
75007 Paris

Getting There:
Métro: Varenne (ligne 13) ou Invalides (ligne 13, ligne 8)
R.E.R: Invalides (ligne C)
Bus: 69, 82, 87, 92
Vélib’: 9, Bd des Invalides
Stationnement: Bd des Invalides