Musée Rodin, from sculpture to design

The rapport between Musée Rodin and Tectona dates back to their first tie-up in the 1980s, when the brand provided benches from its Glenwood collection for the museum’s garden. This flagship line represents everything the brand holds dear: craftsmanship, durability and elegance.

The English inspiration

Tectona’s Glenwood collection was a natural fit for this setting: it looks like it’s always been there. Made from teak, the quintessential noble wood that gains a delicate grey patina over time, its silhouette was inspired by that of benches in English parks. The benches and armchairs are fabricated the traditional way, using mortise and tenon joints, conferring high durability. Indeed, nothing has changed since fifty years ago, except for some slats that were replaced in 2004 – it was also the first time the seats were cleaned.

It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris – and, at three hectares, one of the largest green spaces too. Its success derives not only from its history, but its address in the heart of the very chic 7th arrondissement. Around the romantic lake, ancient trees mingle with sculptures by the illustrious former owner of the site, Auguste Rodin (1840–1917). One of the centrepieces is Porte de l’Enfer, to which contributed Camille Claudel, muse, companion and also a talented sculptor.

A unique collection

It was in 1916 that Rodin donated Hôtel Biron, where he was living, and its impressive collections to the State; the act was made official in 1919. The 18th century Rococo-style mansion was first inhabited by the Duchess of Maine, daughter-in-law of Louis XIV. The next occupant was the man who the mansion is named after: the Marshall of Biron. In the 19th century, the building housed a religious congregation, the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, having the future Empress of the French, Eugénie de Montijo, as a resident from 1835 to 1839. Cocteau and Matisse also had their workshop there. Within the walls of Hôtel Biron (one of the two sites of Musée Rodin, the other being the Villa des Brillants in Meudon, close to Paris) are thousands of sculptures, drawings, old photographs, works of art... The 19th-century chapel also houses an exhibition room that was entirely renovated in 2005.