With Oooohs and Ahhhhs, Renovated Rodin Museum Reopens

July 13, 2012 2:43 PM

Versions of two of Rodin’s most famous sculptures, “The Kiss” (background left) and “The Thinker” (facing away from camera at center) share a gallery in the newly renovated museum. Credit: John McDevitt.

Reporting John McDevitt

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — After being closed for nearly a year for interior renovations, Philadelphia’s Rodin Museum reopened this morning to the delight of visitors.

Years of grime on the giant skylight have been wiped clean, brightening the space considerably (see related story). New applications of historic paint colors, wood stains, plaster finishes, and wall fabrics help make the museum look like it did when it first opened in 1929.

Guests were impressed.

“It’s very beautifully done,” said one woman, “and the background — the setting — doesn’t compete at all with the pieces. They come out at you.”

The renovation project started four years ago, with the garden. The interior was started this past September.

The museum is home to the largest collection outside Paris of sculpture by Auguste Rodin.

Admission to the museum is free. Donations are welcome.