Rodin Museum
| Type | Art museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Fairmount |
| Phone | (215) 763-8100 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1929 |
| Founder | Jules Mastbaum |
| Collection | 150+ works |
| Admission | Pay what you wish |
| Hours | Wed-Mon 10am-5pm |
| Transit | SEPTA Bus 38, Phlash |
| Architect | Paul Philippe Cret, Jacques Gréber |
The Rodin Museum is a museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Fairmount dedicated to the work of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Housing the largest collection of Rodin's work outside Paris, the museum features approximately 150 bronzes, marbles, and plasters, including casts of The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.[1]
History
Jules Mastbaum
Philadelphia movie theater magnate Jules Mastbaum became passionate about Rodin's work in the 1920s and assembled an extensive collection with the intention of donating it to the city. Mastbaum commissioned architects Paul Philippe Cret and Jacques Gréber to design a purpose-built museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Tragically, Mastbaum died in 1926, three years before the museum opened. His widow saw the project to completion, and the Rodin Museum opened in 1929.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Rodin Museum is administered by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located nearby on the Parkway. A single admission ticket can include both museums.
The Collection
The Thinker
The museum's most famous work is the bronze cast of The Thinker (Le Penseur), positioned prominently in the front garden. Originally conceived as part of The Gates of Hell, the figure became one of the most recognized sculptures in the world.
The Gates of Hell
A monumental bronze cast of The Gates of Hell (La Porte de l'Enfer) stands in the museum courtyard. This 20-foot-high sculptural door, inspired by Dante's Inferno, occupied Rodin for 37 years and contains 180 figures including early versions of The Thinker and The Kiss.
Other Major Works
- The Burghers of Calais — Monumental bronze group
- The Kiss — Marble sculpture
- Monument to Balzac — Bronze portrait
- The Age of Bronze*** — Early breakthrough work
- St. John the Baptist Preaching*** — Life-size bronze
The Building
Architecture
Paul Philippe Cret designed the Beaux-Arts building in the style of a French château:
- Formal garden approach with reflecting pool
- Columned entrance portico
- Intimate gallery spaces
- Sculpture garden
Gardens
The outdoor spaces are integral to the experience:
- Front garden with The Thinker and reflecting pool
- Courtyard with The Gates of Hell
- Sculptures integrated with landscaping
Visiting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hours | Wed-Mon 10am-5pm |
| Admission | Pay what you wish (suggested $12) |
| Address | 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway |
| Time needed | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Photography | Permitted |
Getting There
- Walking — On the Parkway between 21st and 22nd Streets
- SEPTA Bus — Routes 38, 43; Phlash Downtown Loop
- Parking — Street parking, Philadelphia Museum of Art garage nearby
- Combined visit — Walk to Philadelphia Museum of Art (5 minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Rodin Museum". Philadelphia Museum of Art. Retrieved December 23, 2025