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Musée Rodin
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Découvrez Le Penseur de Rodin au musée Rodin

Inclus avec les billets pour Musée Rodin

Horaires

DURÉE RECOMMANDÉE

2 heures

The Thinker statue at Rodin Museum, Paris, with historic building in background.

Le Penseur d'Auguste Rodin est l'une des sculptures les plus reconnaissables au monde, symbolisant la contemplation et la lutte intellectuelle. Elle figure en bonne place dans les jardins du Musée Rodin à Paris, où les visiteurs peuvent admirer sa forme puissante. L'entrée pour voir Le Penseur est incluse dans le billet standard du musée.

Things to know before booking The Thinker tickets

  • Access to The Thinker is always included with garden entry.
  • The sculpture is outdoors. Weather may affect how long you want to spend around it.
  • Photography is permitted for personal use except for flash photography, tripod and selfie stick.
  • If you want deeper insight into the sculpture’s story, consider adding the official audio guide.

L'histoire du penseur

Rodin's The Thinker sculpture against a clear blue sky.

A sculpture shaped by light

Le Penseur a été conçu vers 1880 par Auguste Rodin dans le cadre d'une œuvre plus vaste intitulée La Porte de l'Enfer, inspirée de la Divine Comédie de Dante Alighieri. Cette porte monumentale a été commandée pour un musée à Paris (qui n'a jamais été construit), mais Rodin y a travaillé pendant des décennies.

À l'origine, The Thinker devait représenter Dante lui-même, assis au sommet des portes, contemplant les âmes damnées au-dessous de lui. Il réfléchissait à la nature humaine, au péché et à la souffrance. Le Penseur a été exposé pour la première fois de manière indépendante en 1904 et a rapidement été acclamé pour sa puissance expressive.

Visitors exploring the garden at Rodin Museum with The Thinker statue in view.

Part of a bigger story

Originally created for The Gates of Hell, The Thinker represented a poet reflecting on the scenes below. It evolved into a standalone symbol of introspection. You can see both artworks near each other in the garden.

Rodin's The Thinker statue against a clear blue sky.

Rodin’s unique style

Rodin preferred textured surfaces that show the energy of his modelling process. The roughness of the bronze adds emotion and depth, making The Thinker feel intensely alive.

Qui a créé le penseur ?

Rodin Museum garden with "The Gates of Hell" sculpture surrounded by flowers and greenery.
Rodin Museum sculpture exhibition featuring "The Three Shades" in Paris garden.
Sculpture in garden at Rodin Museum, Paris, surrounded by greenery and flowers.

Qu'est-ce qui fait du Penseur un chef-d'œuvre ? Voyez par vous-même

Rodin Museum garden with sculpture and historic building in Paris.

The Sculpture Garden at Hôtel Biron

Designed as an open-air gallery, the garden uses symmetry, quiet pathways, and manicured hedges to create a serene setting for Rodin’s masterpieces. Every viewpoint is intentionally composed, guiding your eye toward key works like The Thinker and allowing you to experience the sculptures in natural light. Most of all, the blend of architecture, landscaping, and art transforms the garden into a peaceful space that encourages reflection and slow, mindful exploration.

Historical and cultural significance

Created in the early 1880s, The Thinker began as part of Rodin’s ambitious project, The Gates of Hell, a monumental doorway commissioned for a museum in Paris that was ultimately never built. Rodin spent decades refining the work, and at the top of the imagined gates he placed a solitary figure inspired by Dante from the Divine Comedy, reflecting on human nature, sin, and the souls below him.

Over time, this figure took on a life of its own. When The Thinker was first exhibited independently in 1904, it was praised for its expressive power and emotional depth. It soon evolved from a literary reference into a universal symbol of contemplation and creativity. Today, it stands among the most reproduced and widely recognised sculptures in modern culture.

En savoir plus

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Frequently asked questions about The Thinker

Is The Thinker included in all Rodin Museum tickets?

Yes. All standard tickets include access to the Sculpture Garden where The Thinker is located.

Can I take photos of The Thinker?

Yes. Personal photography is allowed, and the outdoor setting offers great lighting throughout the day. Flash photography, the use of selfie sticks and tripods is generally prohibited.

How long should I spend at The Thinker?

Most visitors spend 10–15 minutes, but many stay longer to walk around the sculpture and observe details from different angles.

Is the area around The Thinker wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The main garden paths leading to the sculpture are accessible, though some gravel areas may require extra caution.

Does weather affect the visit to The Thinker?

A little. The sculpture is outdoors, so comfort depends on the weather, but it remains accessible year-round.

Is there a skip-the-line ticket to reach the garden?

Skip-the-line speeds up museum entry but does not change access to the garden itself.

Can I touch The Thinker?

No. The sculpture is protected, and visitors must maintain a respectful distance to preserve the bronze surface.

Is the sculpture in the garden the original Thinker?

The version you see is an official bronze cast made from Rodin’s original model.

Can I see The Gates of Hell near The Thinker?

Yes. The Gates of Hell is also displayed in the garden, only a short walk from The Thinker, making it easy to understand their connection.

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