Rodin Museum — Attraction in Philadelphia

There are places in Philadelphia that stop you in your tracks — not because they’re loud or flashy, but because they seem to breathe art, thought, and quiet awe. The Rodin Museum is one of those rare sanctuaries.

Walking up the tree-lined path, the world outside seems to fade. The museum’s neoclassical gate rises like an invitation into another century — a serene prelude to the emotion waiting inside. I arrived on a bright fall morning, sunlight pouring through the trees and casting dappled shadows across the courtyard. At the center stood “The Thinker”, silent yet alive, contemplating everything and nothing. Seeing it in person — not in a book or online — is something else entirely. You feel its weight, its humanity, its stillness.

Inside, the galleries unfold like a meditation. The marble floors glint softly beneath high-arched ceilings, and the air feels reverent but never cold. I spent long moments with “The Kiss”, its luminous marble figures locked in eternal embrace. Up close, you see every curve and subtle touch of Rodin’s genius — how he carved passion, tenderness, and movement into still stone.

Then there’s the gallery of Rodin’s Hands, which might be one of the most emotional corners of the museum. Each hand — clenched, open, reaching — feels like a fragment of a larger soul. The exhibit reminds you how something as simple as a hand can carry so much humanity.

Other highlights included the Colossal Head of Saint John the Baptist, a haunting and powerful presence that seems to look right through you, and the Barbey d’Aurevilly bust — Rodin at his most expressive and raw. Even the smaller plaster works, like the Assemblage of the Heads of the Burghers of Calais, offer a glimpse into his process and brilliance.

The building itself is a work of art — a gift from Jules Mastbaum in 1926 — and it feels like he designed it as a love letter to sculpture. The light, the symmetry, the quiet echo of footsteps against marble… it all builds a sense of peace and contemplation.

Whether you’re a student of art or just someone looking to pause life for a moment, this museum is soul medicine. You don’t rush through it. You linger. You breathe. You think — just like Rodin’s bronze muse out front.

This is easily one of the most beautiful and moving spots in all of Philadelphia. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates art that makes you feel, not just see.

📸 Photos included: • “The Thinker” — contemplative and timeless. • “The Kiss” — pure emotion in marble. • “Rodin’s Hands” — a masterclass in human expression. • “Barbey d’Aurevilly” and “Saint John the Baptist” — striking portraits in bronze. • Outdoor courtyard and galleries bathed in natural light.

If Paris holds the heart of Rodin, Philadelphia...

The Rodin Museum is truly a gem in the city... peaceful, elegant, and inspiring. I visited for the first time recently and was thoroughly impressed. Thanks to my Philadelphia Museum of Art membership, admission was free, and it's conveniently located just a short walk from the main museum.

Even before entering the building, the experience is special. The outdoor garden is beautifully maintained, with lovely seasonal flowers and striking sculptures. The garden and outdoor pieces are free to view for everyone. While we were there, a wedding party was taking photos; proof of how picturesque the setting is. As you enter the museum building, you’re immediately met with Rodin’s The Gates of Hell, an epic bronze sculpture that is breathtaking. I spent at least 10 minutes just taking it all in.

Inside, the museum is clean, quiet, and thoughtfully arranged. There’s a small gift shop at the entrance, and while modest in size, it has a few nice keepsakes. It’s a smaller space, which makes it ideal for a reflective visit or even a cultural lunch hour... plan for 30 to 60 minutes. The air conditioning was a welcome relief on a hot day, though it was cool enough inside the library/drawing room that a light covering might be a good idea.

The museum highlights Rodin’s studies of form and includes a lovely mix of classic white sculptures that really showcase the detail of his work; I especially appreciate the study of hands. There are a few benches and table seating throughout, offering a comfortable pace to take in the art. I particularly loved the library/drawing room, where guests are invited to sketch and even leave their drawings in shared books. Some of the visitor artwork was impressive! If you enjoy art in a quiet, contemplative setting, this museum is absolutely...

This Museum located in Philadelphia is a very nice place to visit. This building is very beautiful and has a place to sit outside where you can just rest or read a book. In about 60 minutes, it is possible to visit it all. It has a very nice display of Rodin’s sculptures. In the entry, people can find the most famous Rodin’s sculpture: The thinker. Inside, there is an important collection that was a gift to the city offered by Jules Ephraim Mastbaum. All the pieces are very well organized and the information provided is good and interesting. While I was walking by the different rooms, I was thinking that Rodin’s work was very large and impressive and, as I never saw one of his works before, all I was able to see fascinated me. When you first enter to the building, you walk by the souvenirs store. Then, as we visited first the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we didn’t pay for this visit, which we considered very convenient, so we received a very nice welcome to the place and were able to start our tour. Everything is clean, the staff is very kind and we really loved the time we...