Museum Bourdelle
The Museum Bourdelle in Égreville is an open-air sculpture garden in Seine-et-Marne, dedicated to the French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle (1861–1929). Spread over nearly seven thousand square metres, it features fifty-six bronze sculptures set among carefully designed lawns, trees, and seasonal flowers. The space feels peaceful and intimate, combining nature and art in a simple, elegant way.
About the Museum Bourdelle
Antoine Bourdelle
Antoine Bourdelle was born in 1861 in Montauban and trained under Auguste Rodin. He became known for his strong, expressive sculptures that bridged classical tradition and modern style. His works include Hercules the Archer, the Monument to General Alvear in Buenos Aires, and the bas-reliefs for the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. He also taught many important artists, such as Alberto Giacometti and Germaine Richier, influencing an entire generation of sculptors.
About the Museum
Created by Michel Dufet and Rhodia Dufet-Bourdelle, the museum offers a complete view of Bourdelle’s work. The garden is divided into two areas: a smaller front garden between the entrance and the main buildings, and a larger back garden with wide paths and long views. Sculptures are placed not by theme or date, but for the way they interact with light, trees, and space.
As visitors walk through, they encounter some of Bourdelle’s most famous works, including Hercules the Archer, The Dying Centaur, and La France, as well as smaller decorative pieces and portraits. Some statues stand at the centre of the garden, while others appear suddenly behind hedges or trees, creating small surprises along the way.
The Experience
The garden is designed for calm and discovery. Visitors can sit at garden tables, rest among the sculptures, or consult maps and guides that explain each work. The entrance area includes a small hall where you can see Bourdelle’s Virgin with the Offering, buy tickets, watch a short introduction film, and visit the bookshop. The shop sells books about the sculptor, postcards, and small souvenirs, and sometimes even fruit from the garden in autumn.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts guided visits, creative workshops, and cultural events. These include family days, art and nature activities, and national events such as Museum Night or European Heritage Days.
Visiting Information
The museum is open every year from 1 April to 31 October, from 10:30 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admission is €6 for adults and €4 for seniors and groups. Entry is free for visitors under 25, job seekers, disabled guests and their companions, and several professional categories. Guided tours cost an extra €4, and an audio guide can be rented for €5. Workshops cost between €6 and €11 depending on duration.
Groups are welcome by reservation. School and social groups benefit from free or reduced entry, while private visits can include a guide or workshop. The average group size is between eight and thirty people.
Practical Details
The Museum Bourdelle is located in Égreville, in the heart of the Seine-et-Marne countryside. Parking is free, and most of the paths are accessible. For information or bookings, visitors can call 01 64 78 50 90 or use the contact form on the museum’s website:
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