Rodin Museum Meudon

Description

Step into the intimate world of one of history’s greatest sculptors at the Rodin Museum Meudon, where art and life intertwine in the most fascinating ways. This former residence-turned-museum was actually Auguste Rodin’s home and workshop from 1893 until his death in 1917. And let me tell you, there’s something incredibly special about walking through the same rooms where such masterpieces were born.

The museum occupies Villa des Brillants, a beautiful 18th-century building that feels frozen in time. Inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by preliminary studies, plaster casts, and finished works that showcase Rodin’s creative process. I particularly love how the preserved workshop still contains his tools and unfinished pieces – it really gives you this spine-tingling sense of the artist having just stepped out for a moment.

Key Features

• Rodin’s preserved studio space, complete with original furniture and working materials
• An extensive collection of plaster models and preliminary studies
• The artist’s private apartment, maintained in its period condition
• A peaceful sculpture garden featuring bronze casts of famous works
• The chapel where Rodin and his wife Rose Beuret are buried
• A vast collection of his marble sculptures
• Original furniture and personal effects from Rodin’s daily life
• Temporary exhibitions highlighting different aspects of his work
• Educational spaces explaining his sculpting techniques
• Picture-perfect views of Paris from the garden terraces

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, spring and early fall offer the most magical moments at Meudon. The garden comes alive with blooming flowers in April and May, creating perfect photo opportunities with the bronze sculptures. September brings gorgeous golden light that makes the white plaster casts glow almost ethereally. Summer can get pretty crowded and hot, especially in the indoor spaces that aren’t air-conditioned (it is a historic building, after all).

If you’re hoping to avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings. I’ve found that most tour groups tend to arrive after lunch. Winter visits have their own charm too – there’s something quite poetic about seeing Rodin’s works against a misty or snow-dusted landscape.

How to Get There

Getting to Meudon is actually easier than most people think. The museum is accessible via the Paris public transportation system. Take the SNCF train from Montparnasse station to Meudon-Val-Fleury station. Honestly, the short train ride offers some lovely views of the Parisian suburbs, and the walk from the station to the museum takes about 15 minutes through charming local streets.

If you’re driving, there’s a small parking area near the museum, but spaces fill up quickly during peak season. I’d recommend getting there early if you’re coming by car. And yes, you can also take an Uber or taxi from central Paris, though that’ll cost you quite a bit more than public transport.

Tips for Visiting

Look, I learned some of these the hard way, so let me save you some trouble. First off, wear comfortable shoes – the garden paths are gravelly, and you’ll do more walking than you expect. Bring a water bottle and maybe a light snack, as the café options are limited.

Photography is allowed in most areas, but leave the flash off inside the buildings. The lighting can be tricky for photos, so morning visits usually give the best natural light for capturing those Instagram-worthy shots.

Don’t rush through – plan at least 2-3 hours for your visit. There’s so much detail in both the sculptures and the building itself that you’ll kick yourself if you speed through. The audio guide is totally worth getting – it shares some fascinating stories about Rodin’s life and work that you won’t find on the plaques.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: start your visit in the garden if it’s a nice day, then head inside when the afternoon crowds arrive. The garden is usually quietest in the morning, and you’ll get better photos without other visitors in the background.

If you’re an art enthusiast or studying sculpture, bring a sketchbook – drawing is allowed in most areas. And definitely check their website before visiting as they sometimes host special exhibitions or events that can add an extra layer to your experience.

Remember that the museum is closed on Mondays, and the last admission is usually an hour before closing time. During summer months, the garden stays open later than the house, which makes for some gorgeous sunset viewing opportunities.

One last thing – if you’re visiting with kids, grab one of their family activity guides at the entrance. It turns the visit into a fun treasure hunt that keeps the little ones engaged while you soak in the artistic atmosphere.

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