Musée Bourdelle

About

The Musée Bourdelle is a captivating museum dedicated to the life and work of the French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle (1861–1929). Established in 1949, the museum occupies Bourdelle's former studio, where he lived and worked from 1885 until his death. This preserved atelier offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the artist's creative environment, showcasing his monumental sculptures amidst the very spaces where they were conceived. The museum's collection encompasses over 500 works, including marbles, bronzes, plasters, paintings, pastels, and fresco sketches. Notably, it houses original plaster casts of some of Bourdelle's most significant pieces, such as his series of 21 studies of Ludwig van Beethoven. Additionally, the museum features Bourdelle's personal collection, which includes works by artists like Eugène Carrière, Eugène Delacroix, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and Auguste Rodin. Over the years, the museum has undergone several expansions to accommodate its growing collection and enhance the visitor experience. In 1961, architect Henri Gautruche added a new wing, and in 1992, Christian de Portzamparc further expanded the space. Most recently, the museum reopened in March 2023 after extensive renovations that improved accessibility and modernized exhibition areas. Managed by Paris Musées, the city's public institution overseeing 14 municipal museums, the Musée Bourdelle offers free admission to its permanent collections.

Paris France

Location

The Musée Bourdelle is located at 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris, France. This museum, dedicated to the works of Antoine Bourdelle, is housed in the sculptor’s former studio, offering visitors an intimate look at his artistic process. The collection includes monumental sculptures, drawings, and personal artifacts, showcasing Bourdelle’s influence on modern sculpture. The museum’s garden and exhibition spaces provide a serene setting for appreciating his masterpieces. Nearby, the Tour Montparnasse, one of Paris’s tallest buildings, offers panoramic views of the city skyline. The Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, a short distance away, presents cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions. The Jardin Atlantique, located above Montparnasse train station, provides a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. The Musée de la Poste, dedicated to postal history and communication, is also within reach.