Rodin Museum is one of the most popular destinations in Philadelphia, boasting a brilliant collection of sculptures and castings. Jules Mastbaum is the founder of this museum. The masterpieces of Auguste Rodin, a Frenchman (1840–1917) promoted monumental art and public sculpture, are preserved in the Rodin Museum of Philadelphia. Auguste Rodin was an ardent admirer of subjects relating to classical and Renaissance sculpture. Rodin's works were inspired by nature. Rodin was regarded as one of the greatest sculptors of the era. The location of Rodin Museum is at Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 22nd Street in Philadelphia.
History of Rodin Museum
Jules Mastbaum was an American and an ardent admirer of the works by Auguste Rodin. Mastbaum started collecting his marvelous creations ever since 1923 and eventually built this museum. After three years of its construction, he possibly gathered the largest collection of Rodin's works outside Paris. The collection comprises of bronze castings, drawings, letters, plaster studies, prints and books. In 1926, two French Neoclassical architects, namely Paul Cret and Jacques Gréber was commissioned by Mastbaum to give proper shape to the Museum building its surrounding gardens. Unfortunately, Mastbaum died before witnessing his dream museum. The Museum was officially inaugurated on November 29, 1929.
Bronze cast of Rodin’s greatest works along with 124 sculptures are displayed in the Rodin Museum at Philadelphia. Some of the brilliant pieces of art in the archives of Rodin Museum are as follows:
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- The Thinker is one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
- The Burghers of Calais reflects a heroic theme and is considered to be the creator's historical tribute.
- Eternal Springtime is a superb sculpture denoting human love
- Some miniature creations of historical buildings such as Apotheosis of Victor Hugo, The Gates of Hell and others.
- Other renowned works are Adam, Colossal Head of Balzac, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Alphonse Legros, Balzac in a Frock Coat - leaning against a Pile of Books, Andromeda, Crying Girl, Apotheosis of Victor Hugo, Bacchus in the Vat, Assemblage of Heads of "The Burghers of Calais", Balzac, Barbey d'Aurevilly Bas-relief for "The Gates of Hell" and many others.
More than 60,000 visitors visit this spectacular museum and its beautiful gardens. The concept of this serene garden compliments Rodin's love for nature. They are named the Rodin Gardens. There is a water pool in the middle of the garden. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. The museum remains closed on Mondays and other holidays. An admission fee of $3 per person is suggested. Free-guided tours to the Rodin Museum are available for the general public at 1:00 pm on every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Photography within the museum is allowed, only with hand-held cameras, however flash, tripods and strobe are not permitted. Rodin Museum is worth visiting offering ample information about the celebrated sculptor, his methods of casting and themes.
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