Rodin Museum

Rodin Museum Philadelphia: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Rodin Museum is a premier cultural destination that houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Auguste Rodin’s sculptures outside of Paris. Established in 1929 through the vision and philanthropy of Jules E. Mastbaum, the museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Rodin’s creative genius—from universally recognized masterpieces like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell to rare studies that illuminate the sculptor’s innovative process (Rodin Museum History; Billy Penn). This guide details everything you need to plan your visit, including history, ticketing, accessibility, highlights, and practical tips.

Rodin Museum building at Parkway and 22nd Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Entry to the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia with outdoor sculptures and trees

Rodin Museum Philadelphia exterior on Ben Franklin Parkway with clear sky

Historical Background and Significance
Architecture and Garden Design
The Collection: Highlights and Thematic Works
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Admission Policies
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
Nearby Attractions and Travel Advice
Photography and Visual Highlights
FAQs
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources

Historical Background and Significance

Early Connections to Philadelphia

Rodin’s relationship with Philadelphia began in 1876, when eight of his sculptures were exhibited at the Centennial Exposition in Fairmount Park. Though overlooked at the time, this event paved the way for the city’s later embrace of his art (Rodin Museum History).

Jules Mastbaum: The Museum’s Visionary Founder

Jules E. Mastbaum, a philanthropist and movie theater magnate, began collecting Rodin’s work in the early 1920s. By 1926, Mastbaum had amassed the world’s largest Rodin collection outside Paris, intending to enrich Philadelphia’s cultural landscape and offer public access to these masterworks (Experience PA; Wikipedia).

Mastbaum’s untimely death in 1926 preceded the museum’s completion, but his widow, Etta Wedell Mastbaum, ensured the project’s fulfillment. The Rodin Museum opened to the public in November 1929, during the challenging era of the Great Depression (Rodin Museum History).

Architecture and Garden Design

Designed by French architect Paul Cret and landscape architect Jacques Gréber, the museum’s neoclassical building and formal gardens create a harmonious, contemplative setting reminiscent of French artistic traditions (The Geographical Cure; Experience PA). The limestone façade, known as “Paris stone,” and the symmetrical gardens evoke the spirit of Paris and reinforce Philadelphia’s Francophile reputation (Billy Penn).

The entrance is marked by a monumental cast of The Gates of Hell, one of only seven in the world, and the museum’s layout encourages quiet reflection and immersive engagement with the art (Rodin Museum Collection).

The Collection: Highlights and Thematic Works

The Rodin Museum’s collection features nearly 150 works, including bronzes, marbles, plasters, drawings, and studies representing every phase of Rodin’s career (Rodin Museum Collection). Highlights include:

The Thinker: Situated at the entrance, this iconic bronze epitomizes intellectual and artistic contemplation.
The Gates of Hell: A monumental portal adorned with over 200 figures inspired by Dante’s Inferno, including early versions of The Thinker and The Kiss.
The Burghers of Calais: A powerful group sculpture emphasizing vulnerability and heroism.
The Kiss: A marble masterpiece capturing passionate embrace.
Monument to Balzac: A late work characterized by expressive abstraction.
Studies of Hands: A series revealing Rodin’s fascination with gesture and emotion.
Danaïd and The Walking Man: Examples of Rodin’s innovative approach to form and movement (Musée Rodin Masterpieces).

The museum’s outdoor Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden features large bronzes and provides a tranquil setting for reflection and photography (Northeast Times).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Admission Policies

Regular Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.
Admission: Pay-what-you-wish policy; suggested donations support the museum’s programs and preservation (Rodin Museum Official).
Combined Tickets: A two-day ticket grants access to both the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Check the official website for current prices and package options.
Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum; online purchase is recommended during peak periods.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

The Rodin Museum is fully accessible, with barrier-free entrances, accessible restrooms, and complimentary wheelchairs. The museum is also stroller-friendly and offers a free family guide for younger visitors (Philadelphia Beautiful). Restrooms, a small cloakroom, and a gift shop are available. While there is no permanent café, the seasonal Rodin Garden Bar offers refreshments during special events (Thrillophilia).

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Daily Tours: Free with admission, led by knowledgeable guides offering insights into Rodin’s life, technique, and works.
Special Thematic Tours: For example, “Rodin’s Hands” focuses on the expressive potential of the human hand.
Educational Outreach: The museum serves as a resource for schools and community groups, fostering broader appreciation of sculpture and the arts (Philadelphia Beautiful).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Advice

Located on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Rodin Museum is within walking distance of other major Philadelphia attractions:

Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Barnes Foundation
The Franklin Institute
Logan Square

Public transportation (SEPTA) and paid parking are available; visitors are encouraged to use transit or rideshare during busy periods (Rodin Museum Official).

Best Times to Visit: Fall (September–December) and spring offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The garden is especially enjoyable during these seasons (Travellers Worldwide).

Photography and Visual Highlights

Personal Photography: Permitted without flash; tripods, selfie sticks, and large bags are prohibited.
Best Photo Spots: The Thinker in the garden, The Gates of Hell entrance, and seasonal floral displays.
Group Photography: Requires prior permission (Rodin Museum Visitor Tips).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Rodin Museum’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Admission is pay-what-you-wish. Combined tickets with the Philadelphia Museum of Art are available.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, it offers full accessibility and wheelchairs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, free daily tours and special thematic tours are offered.

Q: Is photography allowed inside the museum?
A: Non-flash personal photography is permitted; group photography requires permission.

Q: Can families and children visit the museum?
A: Absolutely. The museum is stroller-friendly and provides a free family guide.

Q: Is there parking at the museum?
A: Paid parking is available nearby; public transit and rideshare are recommended during busy periods.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Rodin Museum Philadelphia is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, or cultural experiences. With its world-class collection, beautiful architecture, and tranquil gardens, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with the transformative power of sculpture. Plan your visit today—explore the official Rodin Museum website for up-to-date hours, ticketing, and special events. Download the Audiala app for exclusive content, guided audio tours, and insider tips, and follow the museum on social media to stay informed about new exhibitions and community events.