Rodin’s Thinker thinks in the Metro
The Varenne metro station serves the Rodin Museum in the Hôtel Biron, a former private mansion located on Rue de Varenne entirely dedicated to the renowned sculptor.
The station’s decor serves as an introduction to the museum, as it is adorned with replicas of Auguste Rodin‘s sculptures. Indeed, two iconic reproductions of his masterpieces are displayed on the central platform.
It’s impossible to miss The Thinker, Rodin’s masterpiece and undoubtedly one of the sculptor’s most emblematic works.
Farther along the platform stands a statue of Honoré de Balzac, another illustrious figure immortalised by Rodin.
To emphasise the importance of these sculptures, the station’s overall decor is understated, with white tiled walls and a black floor, allowing the artworks to take centre stage.
Varenne Metro station serves an affluent district
The prestigious Ecole Militaire and the Hôtel Royal des Invalides were built in the 18th century. Situated along the road leading to the Palace of Versailles, they sparked the development of an aristocratic district composed of sumptuous private mansions.
However, Haussmann’s urban renewal projects in the 19th century led to the demolition of some of these mansions to make way for new streets and avenues. Today, the remaining mansions house French embassies, consulates, and official buildings, including the prestigious Hôtel de Matignon, the official residence of the Prime Minister, located on the Rue de Varenne, near the Rodin Musée-Hôtel de Biron.
Other sites of interest near Varenne Metro station?
Ecole Militaire, Champ de Mars, Eiffel Tower, Hôtel Royal des Invalides
A 10mn will take you to the Orsay Museum and the Assemblée Nationale-Palais Bourbon (you can visit the latter on European Heritage Days)
Directions: 7th district
Coordinates: Lat 48.857094 – Long 2.315399
