Rodin Museum Philadelphia
Sculptures for the Thinker
It would be easy to miss the entrance to the Rodin Museum, tucked in among the trees, one of many ornate facades in the art-drenched museum district. It would be easy to miss, that is, if not for Rodin's Thinker sculpture looming outside the entrance.
A perfect gem on the Ben Franklin Parkway, a grand boulevard built to emulate the Champs-Elysée, the Rodin Museum holds the biggest collection of the artist's works outside of Paris. Step inside the gate and courtyard that mimic the artist's former home in Paris.
The Gates of Hell stare at you from across the reflecting pool. As the museum's last restoration placed more of the bigger pieces outside, you can enjoy a Rodin experience without paying entrance. I love resting on a shady bench here after touring the Barnes or Philadelphia Museum of Art.
But do go in! The small museum's interior is a treasure chest of small curios, lovingly rendered nudes, and proud Balzacs. Though the full collection includes over 140 works, the museum is intimate.
Admission is included on a 2-day pass from the Philadelphia Museum of Art or is pay as you wish, with a suggested donation of $ 10. Download the app before you go!
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