Bourdelle Museum: viewing works by Antoine Bourdelle, a student of Rodin in Paris
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The Bourdelle Museum, known as Musée Bourdelle in French, is dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, an important figure in the transition from the 19th to the 20th century in art. Bourdelle was a student of Auguste Rodin and had a significant impact on modern sculpture.
The museum is housed in the former workshop of Bourdelle, located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. The building was originally a series of artists’ studios constructed in the early 20th century.
In 1922, Bourdelle moved here, and he continued to work in this space until his death in 1929. Following his passing, it was decided that the location should be transformed into a museum to honor his legacy and showcase his extensive oeuvre.
The museum officially opened to the public in 1949, after being renovated to accommodate Bourdelle’s sculptures, drawings, and various personal artifacts. The space, which includes two main exhibition halls and a beautiful garden featuring some of Bourdelle’s larger works, reflects the aesthetic of his creations and his relationship with the city of Paris.
The collection includes over 500 works, encompassing not only Bourdelle’s sculptures but also paintings, drawings, and various items that belonged to him, offering insight into his artistic process and personal life. The garden is a particularly notable feature, allowing visitors to appreciate Bourdelle’s large-scale pieces in an outdoor setting that enhances their impact.
In the life of sculptures, a superficial plan is an incident, but a deep constructive plan is a destiny.
–BOURDELLE, letter to Rodin
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and specific cultural events related to the life and work of Bourdelle and other artists.
The address of the Bourdelle Museum is:
18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris, France.
