Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia is the largest collectino of the sculptor's works outside of Paris. Best known for his sculpture, "The Thinker," the museum houses over 100 bronze casts, plaster sculptures and drawings. "The Burghers of Calais" is a huge historical tribute, where the most interesting hands, feets and faces were peiced together to create the final work. Auguste Rodin's fascination with hands and the emotions hands depict is also refelcted in the museum's collection, with works such as "The Clenched Hand," "The Temple," and "The Secret." My favorites of the museum are the collection of busts of famous writers, artists, politicians in the back room and "The Age of Bronze," a statue so life-like it caused a scandal when it was first unveiled because it was believed Rodin cast it directly from a living person.

The museum also allows photography, as long as there is no use of flash, strobe or tripods (which is no big deal, since there is plenty of natural light). There are plenty of shady benches to relax on in the serene gardens outside as well. It is definitely worth the $3 to while away a couple of hours.