Bourdelle Museum
Discover the Musée Bourdelle, a hidden gem in Paris where art and history intertwine in an intimate and poetic setting. Nestled in the 15th arrondissement, this museum-workshop pays tribute to Antoine Bourdelle (1861–1929), one of France’s greatest 20th-century sculptors and a disciple of Auguste Rodin.
Here, time seems to stand still: you’ll wander through his preserved studio, his family home, and a sculptural garden, all bathed in a uniquely creative atmosphere.
This place is more than just a museum: it’s a journey into the world of a visionary artist. Unlike the crowded grand museums of Paris, the Musée Bourdelle offers an immersive and serene experience, perfect for art lovers seeking authenticity. Ready to explore this hidden treasure? Follow the guide!
Location and access: a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris
The Musée Bourdelle is located at 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, a quiet, residential neighborhood far from the tourist hustle and bustle. Yet it remains easily accessible from the city’s main attractions. Its location makes it an ideal stop for a cultural day off the beaten path.
To get there, you have several options:
Metro: Take line 12 and get off at Falguière station (a 5-minute walk) or Montparnasse-Bienvenüe (10-minute walk).
Bus: Lines 28, 58, 82, 89, and 91 serve the area.
Vélib’: Several self-service bike stations are available nearby.
On foot: If you’re near the Eiffel Tower or Les Invalides, a 30-minute stroll along the Seine will take you to the museum.
The museum is also accessible to people with reduced mobility, with ramps and elevators available. Once there, you’ll be immediately charmed by its leafy setting and preserved architecture, which contrasts with the bustling Parisian atmosphere.
A bit of history: Bourdelle, Rodin’s heir
Antoine Bourdelle was born in 1861 in Montauban, in southwestern France. From a young age, he was passionate about sculpture and enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in Toulouse before moving to Paris in 1884. There, he became the student and then assistant of Auguste Rodin, whose influence would deeply shape his work.
However, Bourdelle does not simply imitate his master: he develops a powerful and expressive style, blending classicism and modernity. His works, often monumental, celebrate the human body, mythological heroes, and raw emotions. Among his most famous creations are Hercules the Archer (1909) and France (1922), which became a symbol of victory after the First World War.
In 1885, Bourdelle settled into a studio in the 15th arrondissement, where he lived and worked until his death in 1929. It is this studio, along with his home and garden, that now houses the museum. After his passing, his second wife, Cléopâtre Sevastos, and his daughter Rhodia Dufet-Bourdelle worked to preserve his legacy and transform the site into a museum, inaugurated in 1949.
The spaces to explore: a journey through time
The Musée Bourdelle consists of three main areas, each offering a unique experience. Allow at least 1 hour 30 minutes to see everything, or more if you are an art enthusiast.
1. Bourdelle’s studio: the beating heart of the museum
This is where it all began. The historic studio of Bourdelle, where he created some of his most iconic works, has been preserved in its original state. Here, you’ll discover his tools, sketches, plaster casts, and sculptures in progress, as if the artist had just stepped out for a break.
Among the major pieces displayed in this space, don’t miss:
Hercules the Archer (1909): A bronze sculpture depicting the Greek hero Hercules shooting an arrow. Its dynamism and muscular tension make it one of Bourdelle’s most famous works.
The Dying Centaur (1914): A marble sculpture of rare intensity, symbolizing the struggle between man and beast.
Head of Apollo (1900–1909): A masterful study of the Greek god, where Bourdelle explores ideal beauty.
The studio is also punctuated by photographs and archival documents, which immerse you in the artist’s daily life and his relationships with other great figures of the time, such as Rodin, Monet, or Maillol.
2. Bourdelle’s home: a preserved interior
A short walk from the studio, the artist’s family home has been restored to its early 20th-century appearance. Here you can explore Bourdelle’s private apartments, furnished with personal objects, works of art, and mementos from his life.
Among the most moving rooms:
The drawing room: Decorated with paintings and sculptures, this is where Bourdelle welcomed artist friends and patrons.
The bedroom: An intimate space displaying portraits of his family and everyday objects.
The study: A place of work and reflection where Bourdelle prepared his projects and corresponded with peers.
This visit offers a unique insight into Bourdelle’s personal life, beyond the image of the solitary sculptor. You will also see works by his contemporaries, such as drawings by Rodin or paintings by Monet, which reflect his artistic friendships.
3. The sculpture garden: an oasis of calm
The museum garden is a true haven of peace, where Bourdelle’s sculptures converse with nature. Designed as an extension of his studio, the garden features several of his monumental works, as well as pieces by his students and friends.
Among the sculptures not to be missed:
France (1922): An allegory of victory, commissioned to commemorate the end of the First World War. Its serene face and majestic posture make it a powerful symbol.
Monument to Mickiewicz (1929): An imposing work dedicated to the Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz, installed in the garden after Bourdelle’s death.
Bas-reliefs: Scattered along the paths, these bronze or stone works illustrate mythological or historical scenes.
The garden is also a space for contemporary creation: since 2012, the museum has hosted temporary exhibitions that bring Bourdelle’s works into dialogue with those of modern and contemporary artists. A way of showing that his legacy remains alive.
Must-see works: a thematic tour
The Musée Bourdelle houses over 500 works, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and archives. To help you find your way around, here is a thematic tour of the pieces not to be missed.
1. Monumental masterpieces
Bourdelle was a master of monumental sculpture, and the museum displays several of his most striking creations:
Hercules the Archer: As mentioned earlier, this bronze sculpture is a masterpiece of dynamism. Bourdelle captures the precise moment when Hercules draws his bow, with palpable tension in every muscle.
The Dying Centaur: This marble work, of great dramatic intensity, depicts an injured centaur, a symbol of the struggle between man and untamed nature.
The Montauban War Memorial (1929): A public commission for his hometown, where Bourdelle pays tribute to the soldiers who fell during the First World War.
2. Portraits and Studies
Bourdelle was also a talented portraitist, capable of capturing the essence of his subjects in just a few strokes. Among his most notable portraits:
Portrait of Rodin (1909): A bronze bust in which Bourdelle captures the strength and wisdom of his master and friend.
Portrait of Cléopâtre Sevastos (1910): A tribute to his second wife, where tenderness and admiration shine through.
Self-Portrait (1925): A plaster study in which Bourdelle depicts himself with great honesty, without concession.
3. Religious and Mythological Works
Inspired by Antiquity and mythology, Bourdelle created numerous works with a religious or mythological character:
La Vierge à l’Enfant (1909): A marble sculpture of great tenderness, where the Virgin and Child appear to float in graceful movement.
Pénélope (1905–1912): A representation of Odysseus’s wife, a symbol of fidelity and patience.
Le Fruit (1906): A sensual allegory of fertility, where a nude woman holds a fruit against her chest.
4. Drawings and sketches
The museum also showcases a rich collection of drawings and sketches, revealing Bourdelle’s creative process. These works on paper, often overlooked by the general public, are of great beauty and spontaneity. Do not miss:
His preparatory sketches for Hercules the Archer or The Dying Centaur.
His figure studies, where he explores the movements and proportions of the human body.
His travel sketchbooks, filled with drawings made during his stays in Italy or Greece.
Why visit the Musée Bourdelle? What makes it unique
With so many museums in Paris, why choose the Musée Bourdelle? Here’s what makes it a unforgettable experience:
1. An immersion in a genius’s studio
Unlike traditional museums, where works are presented in a sanitized manner, the Musée Bourdelle plunges you into the heart of the creative process. You’ll see the artist’s tools, his sketches, his mistakes, and his successes—as if you’d traveled through time. It’s a rare opportunity to understand how a work of art comes to life.
2. An intimate and preserved setting
The museum is housed in the very places where Bourdelle lived and worked. Nothing has been reconstructed: everything is authentic, from the studio walls to the furniture in the house. This authenticity creates a unique atmosphere, where you feel close to the artist.
3. A varied and accessible collection
The Musée Bourdelle is not limited to sculpture: it also features paintings, drawings, photographs, and archives. This diversity allows you to discover all facets of Bourdelle’s talent, as well as his era and influences. What’s more, the explanations are clear and accessible, even for non-experts.
4. An enchanting sculpture garden
The museum’s garden is a place of relaxation and contemplation, where sculptures converse with nature. It’s the perfect spot for a meditative pause after exploring the indoor spaces. In summer, concerts and readings are sometimes held here, adding a poetic dimension to the experience.
5. A free and uncrowded museum
Unlike other Parisian museums, the Musée Bourdelle offers free admission to its permanent collections. What’s more, it’s far less crowded than the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay, allowing you to enjoy the works in peace and quiet. A true luxury in Paris!
Practical information: prepare for your visit
To make the most of your visit, here are some practical tips:
Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM (ticket office closes at 5:30 PM).
Closed: Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.