Rendezvous With Rodin....

I had a very important date that I couldn't miss.  I missed the opportunity the last two times I was in Paris, but I was not going to miss seeing him again.  I had a date.......with Rodin!

When I visited the Rodin Museum last year in the winter, it was still undergoing a major renovation.  The museum finished its renovation and reopened it's doors at the Hotel Biron in November 2015.  The renovation was well worth the 3 year wait!  

Walking inside the Hotel Biron you're directed to the beginning of the tour.  You can also sign a guest book, which I did, before you start the tour.  Prepare to be in awe the entire time!
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This section is where "The Age Of Bronze" statues are located which showcase Rodin's sculptures from the 1880's.  Each wing of this gorgeous museum is dedicated to a period of Rodin's works, from his beginnings to the 20th Century.  The interior details of this once maison are breathtaking, from the chandeliers to the parquet floors.  From an interior design standpoint I was in 18th Century French heaven!
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This is my favorite work of Rodin's.  "The Kiss", carved out of marble between 1888 and 1898, and according to the museum "originally represented Paolo and Francesca, two characters borrowed, once again, from Dante's Divine Comedy: Slain by Francesca's husband who surprised them as they exchanged their first kiss, the lovers were condemned to wander eternally through Hell". The Kiss is full of romance and you can't help but feel that when you see it.
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What I loved about walking through this beauty is seeing the amount of natural light that poured in through the enormous French windows.  There's a lovely view of the gardens (pic on the left) and you can just sit there on that bench and people watch from the inside as well as admire the natural beauty.  
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This dramatic staircase right here, with its railing so intricate, so beautifully ornate and detailed, has been my dream staircase.  I can't tell you the countless hours I've spent trying to draw this staircase for school projects.  So you can just imagine the sheer joy in my heart and matching smile on my face when I finally encountered this.  Yes I took many, many pics (and selfies) of this staircase!  Once you walk upstairs the next part of the tour begins.  The detailing in the ironwork is simply amazing.
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No matter the season the gardens are a very beautiful and peaceful sanctuary.  A gardener's dream!  I really enjoyed visiting the Rodin Museum again and taking this much needed stroll through its gardens.  And I also got to see a friend of mines again who works here.  Our conversation picked up right where it left off a year ago, which was awesome!  
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The slideshow below has more pictures that I took inside the museum and around the gardens.  The weather was perfect, even with the overcast skies.  I along with other visitors enjoyed walking through the massive gardens.  I never get tired of visiting Rodin.  Enjoy! 
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The next time you come to Paris make sure to include a visit to the Rodin Museum on your to do list.  This museum is not to be missed and I highly recommend it.  It is located in the 7th arrondissment, very close to Invalides and not crowded like the more popular museums, but just as important.  There are also works from Monet, Van Gogh and Tanguy here.  The museum's information is below.
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Musée Rodin
77 Rue de Varenne
75007 Paris
+33 (0)1 44 18 61 10

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday thru Sunday 10:00am to 5:45pm (Closed on Mondays)
Last entry is at 5:15pm
Exhibition closes at 5:45pm
Garden closes at 5:00pm from October 1st to March 31st

Audioguides and Audiophones are available and there is a cafe
Hours of operation, etc. can change at anytime so check the website for more information
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www.musee-rodin.fr