Rodin Museum

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Exterior Stone Restoration: The Rodin Museum was designed by Paul Cret in 1926. As an
integral part of a recent garden and landscape rejuvenation project, the stone entrance to the Rodin
Museum, known as the Meudon Gate, was restored by Dan Lepore & Sons. The gate, modeled
after the 18th-century façade at Château d’Issy, which Rodin had installed at his property at
Meudon, France, is a significant feature both on the grounds and as viewed from the Benjamin
Franklin Parkway. It was cleaned to remove 80 years of vehicular grime and pollution. The French
Limestone was cleaned, patched with custom Jahn repair mortar and natural stone dutchmen, and
replacement of damaged stone balusters with new stone. Two flights of limestone steps leading to
the museum entrance are also being replaced using new stone quarried in France.

Landscape Architect: Olin

Rodin’s Thinker in front of the entrance was carefully removed to a conservator’s studio and returned after all work was competed. This image shows conditions prior to cleaning and restoration.