It's all part of a multi-million dollar project to rejuvenate the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
"You're seeing a completely renovated project after almost a century," says landscape architect Susan Weiler.
The $7.4 million three year restoration of the Rodin Museum courtyard and grounds is now complete, enhancing the entire block between 21st and 22nd Streets on the Ben Franklin Parkway.
It was no coincidence the gates opened to the public on Bastille Day.
"It is a perfect time to re-establish the French roots of this Philadelphia treasure," said Connie Williams.
The museum and grounds originally opened back in 1929 and holds one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin sculptures in the world.
Landscape architects worked to encompass the spirit of the original plans.
"The fountain is still very central, very, very generous walkways around it," explained Weiler.
There are deviations in some of the materials, for example more indigenous plants were used this time around.
"Things that were blooming at all different times were very important to us," said Weiler. "And you can only imagine what this will be as it matures."
Some sculpture will be returned outside of the museum like The Burghers of Calais which now rests in the East Garden.
The paved entry plaza was upgraded where "The Thinker" sits, and the main entry to the courtyard, the Meudon Gate, was also restored.
Accessible paths cut through the landscape and connect to the Parkway.
"It was meant to be very much an enclosing and embracing garden on the outside," Weiler said.
In September, the inside of the museum will close for renovations, though you'll still be able to look around the gardens. It will re-open again in the springtime around the same time as the Barnes Museum.
