MUSÉE RODIN

The National Museum dedicated to Auguste Rodin is housed in an ^18th-century mansion. Discovered in 1908 by Rodin himself, the splendid setting was then in an advanced state of neglect. Purchased by Rodin in 1911, the hotel became a museum in 1919: an ideal setting where light penetrates easily, and where the rooms are large and numerous enough to display enough works from Auguste Rodin's collections. Le Baiser (The Kiss), La Toilette de Vénus (The Toilet of Venus), and La Danaïde (The Danaïde) are all fascinating creations whose power you can't help but admire. As the tour progresses, you'll discover (and learn about) the evolution of sculpture techniques: sketches, casts and then work in marble or bronze. At the same time, the museum pays tribute to the artists who rubbed shoulders with or inspired the great Rodin, and also houses works by Camille Claudel, as well as paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and others. In the splendid garden, you'll discover a number of different areas. In the rose garden, for example, the Porte de l'Enfer, the Monument aux Bourgeois de Calais, the Monument à Balzac or Orphée can all be discovered in a unique setting. Every Sunday morning, the museum organises guided family tours, specially designed to introduce the youngest visitors to the art of sculpture. Exhibitions on Rodin's work and other themes are regularly organised. Last but not least, the museum has a charming café-restaurant mischievously named "L'Augustine".