REPORT. The sculpture workshop at the Rodin Museum in Paris: a place of discovery for children from 6 months to 12 years old

" Rodin, I don't know who he is," he admits. Ava, 6 years old. The blonde is nevertheless a regular at the workshop. " I've come lots of times ," she says. The drawing, the slide, the little cabin... I love everything. Especially the modeling clay!" And when asked which sculpture inspired her, our budding artist replies with aplomb: " I didn't reproduce any model. I made imaginary flowers ." The most successful ones will join the masterpieces showcase, which presents the pieces in all colors created by the children since the workshop opened last April. It will close its doors on August 31 to make way for an upcoming temporary exhibition. Some children prefer to take their creations home in a small bag provided by the museum.

Augustin Pagenot, head of the public service, explains that this is the 4th edition of this workshop created in 2022. It helps attract families to the Rodin Museum, through play and experimentation. " We evolve it every year, with additions inspired by the satisfaction questionnaire that we have people fill out at the exit ," he explains. This year, we added a leaflet for parents so that they can make the most of the different experiences on offer." The most popular new feature is the creation of a cabin dedicated to toddlers, from the age of 6 months. Placed at the back of this 350 m ² space, it is shaped like a large wicker nest. Inside, there is a bench, cushions, games adapted to little hands and mirrors to admire yourself on all fours. [See photo above]

In addition to drawing, modeling, shadow puppets, and discovering the sculptor's tools (the step, scissors, the eyepiece, etc.), children are invited to pose like Rodin's models. One contorts herself in a precarious balance like the Thinker. Others play "1,2,3... statue," adapted from the famous "1,2,3... sun." There's also a hopscotch-style gallery, a sensory table to focus on smells and materials, and a reading corner with large armchairs to share with the family.

Since the Rodin studio is not a daycare, children must remain under the supervision of an adult, usually a parent or nanny. Félix and Paola, both five years old, are having a blast with colored chalk. We'll then meet them in the sculpture park surrounding the museum, more interested in chasing ducklings in the large pond than in Rodin's works.

Louise, mother of 6-month-old Stella, lives nearby and really enjoys the workshop. " It's her first museum ! She likes seeing other children, especially those who are already talking. There's not much for toddlers ," she says. Seated around a round table, Belgian Anouk Van Der Wildt agrees. She watches out of the corner of her eye as her 6-year-old daughter Hazel explores the modeling module.

" I came to the Rodin Museum with my own parents, " she says. "I like the garden and the experimentation for her ." She explains that in museums, you often have to book to access this type of workshop. " Here, you come without a reservation and it's not too crowded." She introduced Hazel from a very young age: " I notice that now, she knows how to behave in museums, not to shout, not to run, not to touch the works ."

Rare information and anecdotes about the life of Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) have been scattered throughout this space, " mainly for parents ," explains Augustin Pagenot. The studio's objective is not to be a place of interpretation about the artist but rather about sculpture in general." He hopes it will allow children to understand Rodin's art " through their whole body." "We want to engage all the senses," he explains.

Since its opening in April, this fully demountable workshop, built with recyclable materials, has welcomed numerous kindergarten and elementary school classes from Paris and the neighboring Hauts-de-Seine department, as well as from Seine-Saint-Denis. " 145 groups in total ," according to the head of the public services department. The 5-7 age group is the best represented. " This will be our audience of tomorrow ," smiles Augustin Pagenot.

Rodin Workshop, at the Rodin Museum, 77 rue de Varenne in Paris until August 31, 2025. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. without reservation. Free for children accompanied by an adult. Accessible to adults with a museum admission ticket (14 euros full price, free for young people under 26).