Wealthy and influential movie-theater businessman, Jules Mastbaum, began collecting Auguste Rodin’s works in 1913. His original intention had always been to create a Museum for the city. Within three years, he had amassed the largest collection of the master sculpturer’s works outside of Paris. By 1926, Mastbaum had commissioned the design of a building and gardens to house his collection. Unfortunately, he died before construction was completed. His widow, Etta Wedell Mastbaum, took over and and saw the completion of his dream, opening the museum in 1929. Many of Rodin’s sculptures are displayed outside in the elegant formal gardens or near the reflecting pool. We had the pleasure of visiting the Rodin museum in Paris during our travels there in 2016, and now this one in Philadelphia. What a joy to have experienced both!
Located not far from Philadelphia’s Museum of Art (which also manages this one), The Rodin Museum is one of the top attractions in the city. We could see why, as it is every bit as impressive as it’s namesake in Paris. Known as the Meudon Gate, this is the main entrance to the grounds and the museum... ...with Rodin’s “The Thinker” poised in front to greet visitors. Once through the gate, visitors are met with this beautiful image of the museum itself behind the reflecting pool. The main gallery just inside the building’s entrance. Rodin’s “Shame”, first modeled in clay between 1889-1890, and then cast in bronze in 1925. Henri Greber’s 1929 marble copy of Rodin’s “The KISS.” First modeled in clay during 1910, “The Secret” was bronzed in 1925. Originally designed for the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris (which, unfortunately was never established), Rodin’s “The Gates of Hell” encompasses more than 100 individual sculptures. Rodin worked on this piece ( which is one of three originals created by him) between 1890 and 1917. Also located out in the gardens is “The Burghers of Calais.” John Singer Sargent’s 1884 portrait of Auguste Rodin.
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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