Thursday, September 29, 2011

Musée Rodin - Hôtel Biron


The Hôtel Biron, built in 1728, has served as the Musée Rodin since 1919, and is situated on over 7 acres (3 hectacres) of gardens and sculptures.  This grand entrance is a prelude to the amazing work of Rodin contained within these 18th Century walls.

The museum features the work of Rodin's muse, Camille Claudel, and others.  When an exhibit dedicated to Claudel was held in the spring of 2008, there were over 150,000 visitors to the museum.  Thinking it would be fabulous to see, I arrived to find a line that snaked for an eternity. 


Musée Rodin
79, rue de Varenne
75007, Paris  

45 comments:

Pierre BOYER said...

Il faut absolument que je visite ce musée...
Bonne journée,

Pierre
http://pierre-boyer.blogspot.com/

French Girl in Seattle said...

The gardens are superb too and were recently featured in Woody Allen's latest movie, "Midnight in Paris" if I am not mistaken... Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

dive said...

Beautiful photo, Genie. Oh, and ALWAYS buy a Paris Museum Pass in advance. Just waltz past those exhibition queues and save hours pf standing in line. They're worth every cent.

Julie said...

I am not one for standing in queues. I just figure that God wanted me to do something else that particular day.

When we met in Paris this April just past, Genie, I had an apartment in a side-street off Musee Rodin. I could see the entrance if I dangled from my 4th floor window.

Vreni said...

The Musée Rodin is one of my favourite museums in Paris! It has a special atmosphere. Dive is completely right: if you want to visit museums, buy a Museum Pass to avoid the queues.

Louise said...

Ah, thank you Genie. I've been waiting for this peek into the Hotel Biron. And how lovely it is. I look forward to visiting it even more. I just love your photo. I love the inclusion of the woman just entering this wonderful world, what wonders will she encounter?

Hana de Prague said...

I love Musée Rodin, Genie! Thanks for sharing this nice photo.
Bonne journée Hana

Pet said...

Wonderful tip on Paris again. I've been in a Rodin exhibition once, but not in the museum, yet :-)

Janey and Co. said...

We rented a very small flat from a reservation svc in Paris. There was a problem with our apt so they put us in large penthouse over-looking these gardens for our entire stay...We spent almost an entire afternoon enjoying the Rodin, especially the beautiful gardens!

this is Belgium said...

i like the picture, I like the museum, I also like the 'snake for eternity' sentence;

brattcat said...

terrific pov. i'm glad you didn't crop the vent in the floor. it adds to the sense of place.

M said...

It delighted me beyond belief to be able to share your first visit to this museum. My prior visit was son speedy that I relished being able to take the time to truly enjoy the museum as well as its wonderful gardens! Love this angle --- it would make a great cover for a book of photos of this wonderful museum.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

We saw a movie about Camille Claudel and her life with Rodin. As I recall their relationship was stormy? I would love to see his work as well as Camille's.

My husband is not a "stand in line" kind of guy. Dive's suggestion of a pass allowing us to waltz by the queues sounds like a good one for us.

Great shot of the lady coming in the door Genie.
Sam

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

The floors, the stairs, the arches...all of it is breathtaking!

Virginia said...

Ahhhh, my fav musée in Paris, and Eva's too I might add. She remember some pieces from our first trip when she was just 5! I have been here in rain and shine and it's always a treat. The gardens are much better in shine of course!
V

Malyss said...

That's the problem with great exhibitions and fabulous museums..to have to wait for hours.At least, the reward is always as great as the waiting!

Halcyon said...

This has always been one of my favorite museums. I once attended a private event there, it was fantastic having the museum almost to yourself in the evening.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

What a beautiful entrance to the Musee Rodin, the grand staircase, the checkered floor,fabulous picture Genie. I'm not sure if I could wait in such a long queue, did you?

Sylvia K said...

What a gorgeous place and I wish I were there! Terrific capture as always, Genie, and I do so love the tours you take us on! The Musee Rodin sounds like such a wonderful place! Have a lovely evening, mon amie!

Hugs
Sylvia

Cezar and Léia said...

I would love visiting this museum, maybe someday!
Amazing angle in your picture!
Léia

Pat said...

This is one of my favorite museums in Paris; line or no line. In my 'boheme' days, I lived just down the street, but in a 'chambre de bonne'.

Starman said...

The only time I attempted to see the Rodin, I got there as it was closing.

Alexa said...

One of my all-time faves too. Dive is right—and who doesn't like to jump the queue? I love this perspective, Genie (and the b&w that isn't)!

Unknown said...

Great looking building

Speedway said...

I just love the picture of the boats on the river; it serves as my introduction every time I visit and makes me smile. I want to stay on one of the boats, take one on a voyage, if I ever get to visit.

I don't care for lines, either, and am pleased to learn of the museum pass. Is it good for all Museums, or just the one you choose? I don't care for crowded exhibitions, either. I went to two that were so crowded I couldn't see the art. I've avoided large shows ever since. That wasn't in Paris, by the way, but here in the US.

Anonymous said...

If the entryway is that gorgeous, I would love to see the rest of the Musee Rodin~I love the staircase and the checkerboard tile.

I bet waiting in line was worth the wait!

Loree said...

what an impressive entrance!

biebkriebels said...

Yes, those snake lines, sometimes you would wish you were the only one to visit. I see in Amsterdam always queues at Van Gogh and Anne Frank museum, feel so sorry for those tourists with limited time.

Photos by Stan said...

Grand shot, wonderful perspective and composition!! There is so much to look at and enjoy in this shot!! Interesting how the diagonal lines that the tiles make lead your eye to the front door --pretty cool. I'm curious how this would look in B & W-- Anyway, this museum is a real gem.

James said...

Looks and sounds like a great place!This is one of the places that I've never been to but on the plus side it's something to look forward to.

Jack said...

This is a beautiful hallway, isn't it? It is a handsome composition, Genie.

Clueless in Boston said...

What a beautiful foyer and entrance.

Deborah said...

Genie - you've hit another homer! It is a jewel of a museum, not too much art to overwhelm, and a lovely old building, as seen in your tres joli foto.

Merci touts for the recommendation on getting a museum pass - la prochaine fois juis suis a Paris.

Did you know that the museum sells very nice prints of some of Rodin's works? I purchased a couple of his combination etchings and watercolors of female models. They are quite lovely.

Lynne with an e said...

This photo demonstrates how to take a black and white picture without taking a picture in black and white. Great patterning and lines and interesting use of perspective. Plus, you made me really want to visit the museum and wander the gardens!
Bisoux xo

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Just a bit of clarification. I was spending the day wandering Paris with a French/American friend and we thought that the museum would be a great option for the afternoon. We did not know about the special exhibit, nor the long lines so we did not go that time. Twice more Holly (daughter) and I headed there only to find that the museum was closed for une grève (2 times!) It was not until this recent April that I went, accompanied by friend Marie. It was worth the wait.

I have gotten a lot smarter since 2008 about some things. A museum pass is the way to go, and a call to ensure they have not closed the museum for the day to prepare for an exhibition (Marmottan in April).

I have seen the French film about Camille Claudel and would recommend it to anyone wanting to see this museum. M. Rodan was a bit of a rascal.

Janey and Julie, I am envious!

Deborah, thanks for that tip. I remember walking through the shop on the way into the gardens but do not think that we stopped on the way out... I think that macarons were calling us!

Many thanks for your comments and suggestions... I am anxious to get back to Paris... soon!

Bises,
Genie

Randy said...

What a beautiful entry. I like the b&w tile.

Tash said...

Such a lovely space so well photographed! We enjoyed a visit there some 20 years ago. It was not crowded then. But we had a similar experience at D'Orsey and never did make it inside.

Paris Paul said...

This museum has always been a favorite of mine ever since I saw the movie "Camille Claudel" with Isabelle Adjani. A great place to spend a Sunday morning.

Anonymous said...

Love the smoothly, pouring swirl of the staircase. Such fluid and beautiful craftsmanship ~ xox Alexandra

Jilly said...

This is such a good shot of a difficult area to photograph. Beautiful.

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

What great perspective on this shot. The a great building.

Darryl and Ruth :)

Jane, Naples, Florida said...

As soon as I saw the floor, I knew it was the Rodin Museum... I loved it so much, and hope beyond hope I can return one day. Thank you for the picture!

Jane
Flora Doora

Regina K said...

Wonderfully captured.

Unknown said...

Wonderful perspective!

Anonymous said...

God, I loved this place! It's probably one of my favorites in the whole world. C'est incroyable!