Editing Rodin Museum

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Rodin Museum
| image =
| image_caption = The Thinker at the Rodin Museum
| type = Art museum, sculpture garden
| address = 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
| neighborhood = Fairmount
| coordinates = 39.9617,-75.1739
| phone = (215) 763-8100
| website = https://www.rodinmuseum.org
| established = 1929
| founder = Jules Mastbaum
| director = Philadelphia Museum of Art
| collections = Largest Rodin collection outside Paris
| visitors = Pay-what-you-wish admission
| hours = Wed-Mon 10 AM - 5 PM
}}

'''The Rodin Museum''' is a museum on the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]] in [[Fairmount, Philadelphia|Fairmount]] dedicated to the work of French sculptor '''Auguste Rodin''' (1840-1917). The museum houses the largest collection of Rodin's work outside Paris, including bronze casts of his most famous sculptures: ''The Thinker'', ''The Gates of Hell'', ''The Burghers of Calais'', and ''The Kiss''. The intimate museum and its beautiful gardens offer a contemplative experience focused on one of the greatest sculptors in history.<ref name="rodin">{{cite web |url=https://www.rodinmuseum.org/about |title=About the Rodin Museum |publisher=Rodin Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The museum was a gift to the City of Philadelphia from movie theater magnate '''Jules Mastbaum''', who assembled the collection in the 1920s. Mastbaum commissioned the French architect Paul Philippe Cret to design the museum building, which opened in 1929. The museum is now administered by the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], and admission includes access to both institutions.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/rodin-museum/ |title=Rodin Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Jules Mastbaum ===

'''Jules Mastbaum''' (1872-1926) was a Philadelphia businessman who built a chain of movie theaters. In the 1920s, he became captivated by Rodin's work and began assembling a collection to donate to his hometown.

Mastbaum purchased bronze casts, marble sculptures, drawings, and prints directly from Rodin's estate and from the Musée Rodin in Paris. He planned to create a museum that would bring Rodin's art to American audiences.

Tragically, Mastbaum died in 1926, before the museum's completion. His widow, Etta Mastbaum, saw the project through to its opening in '''November 1929'''.

=== The Building ===

French-American architect '''Paul Philippe Cret''' designed the museum in the Beaux-Arts style, with a formal garden approach leading to a classical temple-like structure. The design was intended to evoke the contemplative atmosphere of the Musée Rodin in Paris.

=== Philadelphia Museum of Art ===

The Rodin Museum has been administered by the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]] since 1939, ensuring professional care for the collection while maintaining its identity as a distinct institution.

== Collection ==

=== Signature Works ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Work !! Date !! Description
|-
| '''The Thinker''' || 1880 || Iconic figure contemplating existence; positioned in the garden
|-
| '''The Gates of Hell''' || 1880-1917 || Monumental bronze doors featuring over 180 figures
|-
| '''The Burghers of Calais''' || 1884-1895 || Group depicting six medieval citizens sacrificing themselves
|-
| '''The Kiss''' || 1882 || Marble sculpture of embracing lovers
|-
| '''Eternal Springtime''' || 1884 || Romantic couple in tender embrace
|}

=== The Gates of Hell ===

Rodin worked on '''The Gates of Hell''' for nearly 40 years, creating a monumental bronze doorway inspired by Dante's ''Inferno''. The work was never completed in Rodin's lifetime, but bronze casts were made after his death.

The Gates contain over 180 figures, many of which Rodin later developed as independent sculptures, including ''The Thinker'' (originally conceived as Dante contemplating Hell).

=== The Thinker ===

'''The Thinker''' is positioned prominently in the garden, greeting visitors as they approach the museum. The figure represents a man in deep meditation, struggling with powerful internal conflict.

Originally titled ''The Poet'', the sculpture was meant to represent Dante at the top of the Gates of Hell. It has become one of the most recognized works of art in the world.

== The Grounds ==

=== Formal Garden ===

A long, tree-lined reflecting pool leads from the Parkway to the museum entrance, creating a processional approach that builds anticipation:
* Clipped hedges and formal plantings
* Reflecting pool with ''The Thinker'' at its head
* Benches for contemplation
* Views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

=== Sculpture Garden ===

Bronze sculptures are displayed throughout the garden:
* Outdoor setting allows viewers to walk around works
* Natural light creates changing effects throughout the day
* Trees and landscaping complement the sculptures

== Visiting the Rodin Museum ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Wednesday-Monday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Tuesday
* Closed major holidays

=== Admission ===

* '''Pay-what-you-wish:''' Suggested donation of $5
* Admission includes access to the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* Free for Philadelphia Museum of Art members

=== What to See ===

* '''The Gates of Hell:''' At the museum entrance
* '''The Thinker:''' In the formal garden
* '''The Kiss:''' Inside the museum
* '''The Burghers of Calais:''' In the garden
* Gallery rooms with smaller sculptures and drawings

=== Tips ===

* Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour
* Visit the garden even if you don't enter the museum
* Combine with a visit to the nearby [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* Best lighting: morning or late afternoon

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 32, 38
* '''Walking:''' On the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 21st and 22nd Streets
* '''Parking:''' Street parking or Philadelphia Museum of Art garage

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Barnes Foundation]] (3-minute walk)
* [[Franklin Institute]] (5-minute walk)

== See Also ==

* [[Auguste Rodin]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Sculpture in Philadelphia]]
* [[Art in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.rodinmuseum.org Rodin Museum Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/rodin-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Rodin Museum Philadelphia - The Thinker and Gates of Hell
|description=Visit the Rodin Museum, housing the largest collection of Auguste Rodin's sculptures outside Paris. See The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, The Kiss, and more on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
|keywords=Rodin Museum Philadelphia, The Thinker, Gates of Hell, Auguste Rodin, sculpture museum, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, French sculpture, The Kiss sculpture, pay what you wish museum
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Fairmount]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
[[Category:Art Institutions]]
[[Category:Sculpture]]