Conservation
Some of the sculptures in the Rodin Museum collection—particularly the bronzes that were once installed outside in the garden—have weathered considerably over the years. Conservators at the Philadelphia Museum of Art are working to restore these works to their original patina;
The Burghers of Calais, which recently returned to the east garden, is being conserved in situ.
The Thinker enjoyed a similar conservation effort in 1992,
which is documented on the Philadelphia Museum of Art website. In late spring 2012, visitors will see the newly restored works
Eve and
The Age of Bronze returned to the niches of the Museum facade, and
Adam and
The Shade to the Museum's grounds.
Interpretive Planning
Curatorial and education departments are working together to provide visitors with many different opportunities to learn about Auguste Rodin's work and to understand the relationship between the Museum's collection and its beautiful setting. New interpretive materials will focus on Rodin's innovative approach to creating sculpture and the central role he played in the development of modern art. When the Museum reopens in late spring 2012, a redesigned website and other informative materials will provide visitors the opportunity to engage deeply in the art and life of Rodin as well as the history of the Rodin Museum.
Interior Restoration and Renovation
The Beaux-Arts style building and grounds were designed by Paul Cret and Jacques Gréber for the express purpose of presenting the collection of masterworks by Rodin assembled by Philadelphia theater magnate and philanthropist Jules Mastbaum. The architectural firm Vitetta, working closely with the exhibition design department at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is restoring and renovating the galleries of the Rodin Museum, using the original 1929 plans for the Museum as reference. Archival research has unearthed original furniture designs, terrazzo (mosaic flooring) selections, and photographs of the galleries, and samples taken from the walls by conservators have determined the original paint colors used in 1929.
