Nestled in the heart of Montparnasse in Paris, the Bourdelle Museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of France's most celebrated sculptors, Antoine Bourdelle. Stepping into this museum is akin to entering a sanctuary of artistic inspiration and creative brilliance.
The museum itself is a work of art, housed in the former studio of Antoine Bourdelle, where he lived and worked for over four decades. The space exudes a sense of history and intimacy, providing visitors with a rare glimpse into the life and artistic process of the master sculptor. From the moment you step through the doors, you are transported back in time, surrounded by the very tools and materials that Bourdelle himself used to create his iconic sculptures.
The collection housed within the Bourdelle Museum is nothing short of extraordinary. Spanning Bourdelle's entire career, from his early works to his most iconic pieces, the collection offers a comprehensive overview of his artistic evolution. From the monumental to the intimate, each sculpture is a testament to Bourdelle's mastery of form and his unparalleled ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
One of the highlights of visiting the Bourdelle Museum is the opportunity to see Bourdelle's sculptures in the context of his studio. The museum has preserved Bourdelle's workspace exactly as he left it, providing visitors with a rare glimpse into the artist's creative process. From the plaster casts that line the walls to the tools scattered across his workbench, every detail serves as a reminder of Bourdelle's dedication to his craft.
In addition to Bourdelle's own work, the museum also features a rotating selection of temporary exhibitions, showcasing the work of contemporary artists who have been inspired by Bourdelle's legacy. These exhibitions add a dynamic element to the museum's offerings, providing visitors with new perspectives on Bourdelle's work and its enduring relevance in the world of contemporary art.
In conclusion, a visit to the Bourdelle Museum is a must for anyone with an appreciation for art and culture. From the historic setting to the breathtaking collection of sculptures, every aspect of the museum is a testament to the enduring legacy of Antoine Bourdelle and his profound impact on the...
Read moreLocated in one of the best neighborhoods in Paris that used to be the artists' quarters, this museum is a real hidden gem and one of the few Parisian art studios that are still in place and unchanged from late 19th - early 20th century. Antoine Bourdelle was an amazing sculptor who worked in Auguste Rodin's studio for almost 15 years and later in his life he taught Alberto Giacometti and Henry Matisse. There is a sculpture studio, a painting studio, an exposition in Chronological order and a great hall that includes some of his most famous works. At the end of his life, Antoine Bourdelle planned to turn it into a museum, but it would have probably been destroyed if not for other art lovers' intervenance. Many well known art studios disappeared when the neighborhood was modernised (like for example, Brâncuși Studio). I think it's one of the most peaceful museums in Paris and definitely special as it is not crowded and you can have your time to admire the art and understand it's history and meaning, or simply be in a contemplative state of mind as you are surrounded by nature...
Read moreFree entry, which surprised us (not sure if it was a special occasion as we thought from our research that it would cost to get in). The museum was larger than it appeared with plenty of amazing sculptures to look at, including a truly outstanding grand hall with HUGE statues within. Hard to convey the impressive scale of it and I feel that photographs would not do the experience justice.
Entered knowing nothing about Bourdelle and left with an impressed opinion of him and an increased admiration of the work that goes into sculpting. There was a small room set up with a video showing the process of making a bronze sculpture (in French, although you don't need to speak the language to learn from it), with some of the tools of the trade on display, and that was very educational.
Not many visitors when we were there so it was quite a peaceful experience.
There's a small museum shop by the reception where you can buy...
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