MusÉE Rodin
The Musée Rodin in Paris is home to one of the most recognized sculptures in the world, Le Penseur, or The Thinker as I grew up calling it. It was one of the most thrilling pieces of art for me to see in person while living in Paris; I returned to the garden on multiple occasions. With its long tree-lined walks, outdoor sculptures, and roses in the spring, it’s a pleasant place to spend an hour strolling or meeting a friend for coffee in the café. You can purchase a ticket for the garden alone or buy a ticket that includes the hôtel with its light-filled rooms and many more sculptures and busts.
The garden offers a gorgeous view of Les Invalides as you can see in the photo above. The area in front of the house is dedicated to the pieces that make up The Gates of Hell inspired by Dante’s The Divine Comedy*, while the back has a reflecting pool surrounded by sculptures. If you’re a fan of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series, the 2020 release All the Devils are Here opens with a scene in the garden of the Musée Rodin. I also have to say that the gift shop here is one of my favorites! I bought a mini Thinker white eraser that’s displayed on my desk, and they also had pre-paid envelopes that made any mail I sent back to the United States look very classy and sophisticated.
It might not be top of mind when you’re planning what to see on a trip to Paris, but I think the Musée Rodin is worth adding to your list. To see a few more pictures, visit the Paris Picture Gallery.
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