MUSÉE RODIN

It was such a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the 50's yesterday that my husband and I decided to walk to the Musée Rodin near Invalides.  It is quite a walk, but we were in no hurry, took our time and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Paris along the way.

We stopped along the way and thought about getting a sandwich in one of the little shops.  We stopped at one and were trying to decide which one to get.  They are always so delicious and fresh. My husband leaned in just a little to get a better look when we saw a sign     which read, "Peinture Humide." Now does that look like it says "Wet Paint."  Oh, yes it was.  The brightest mix of dandelion yellow and sunset gold then electrified now covered the entire length of his      favorite North Face jacket!  We looked at each other in amazement and he had the look on his face which read, "No way, I didn't just do that!"  I felt so badly as I know how much he loves that jacket.  My husband is not usually leaning on buildings, but in Paris as with many European cities the sidewalks are only three feet wide.  Hence, when stopping to gaze in a shop window you do naturally squeeze up very close to it to leave some room on the sidewalk.  

       

When we arrived we bought tickets for the museum and gardens.  I kept trying to remember not to hold his left arm. The famous sculpture of the "Thinker" (Le Penseur) by Auguste Rodin was in a small square surrounded by meticulously manicured trees.  The gardens are lovely with many rose bushes planted in between the trees, which have started growing already.

At the entrance you see the very famous doors of the Gates of Hell.   There are other bronzes by Rodin which are throughout the garden. This site was once the Hotel Biron which was turned into the Musee Rodin.

There are many beautiful sculptures to see here and if you would like to visit their website go to:  http://www.musee-rodin.fr/welcome.htm
It was a very nice museum and we were happy to have had the chance to visit as there are sketches, paintings, and special exhibitions.

If you are old enough to remember the comedy series Dobie Gillis of the 1960's, each episode began with the character sitting on a bench in front of a reproduction of the bronze Thinker.  Actually, I remember this show really well. Dobie was the collegiate and Maynard was his sidekick and played the part of the beatnik.   Gosh, I think I am revealing my age although I was only 8 or 9 at the time!

My husband has not worn his favorite jacket since he so artistically altered it.  He is usually very hard to buy for, but I now know what he could use as a gift for Father's Day gift.