Salvador Dalí Museum | St Petersburg

The Salvador Dalí Museum is a key cultural destination dedicated to preserving and showcasing the works of the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. There are two main locations that focus on Dalí's life and work, one in St. Petersburg, Florida, and another in his hometown of Figueres, Catalonia, Spain.

1. The Dalí Museum – St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is home to the largest collection of Dalí's works outside of Europe. It is located in a stunning modern building with a glass dome, known as the "Glass Enigma," which houses some of Dalí’s most important and iconic pieces. The museum offers an extensive collection that includes more than 96 oil paintings, over 1,300 graphic works, sculptures, and photographs.

Notable Works:

The Hallucinogenic Toreador

The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus

The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory

These works represent Dalí’s obsession with time, memory, and surreal imagery, key themes throughout his artistic career.

Features:

The museum features a Virtual Reality Experience, Dreams of Dalí, where visitors can explore Dalí’s 1935 painting Archeological Reminiscence of Millet's 'Angelus' in 3D.

It also hosts rotating exhibits and educational programs to deepen visitors' understanding of Dalí's techniques and influences.

Visitor Information:

Hours: The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Thursdays.

Admission Fees:

Adults (18–64): $29

Seniors (65+), Military, First Responders: $27

Students (13+): $20

Youth (6–12): $12

Children (under 5): Free

Museum members: Free

Tickets are available for purchase online, with timed entry recommended to avoid long waits. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are guided tours available.

2. Dalí Theatre-Museum – Figueres, Catalonia, Spain

The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, designed by Salvador Dalí himself, is one of the most important surrealist landmarks in the world. It is situated in the town where Dalí was born and features a combination of his artwork, architectural design, and the rich history of his artistic evolution.

The museum is housed in a former theatre, which Dalí transformed into his masterpiece. It includes a vast array of paintings, sculptures, installations, and other works that represent Dalí's most celebrated themes, such as double images, optical illusions, and the interplay of reality and dreams.

Notable Works:

The Rainy Cadillac – A painting that explores Dalí’s themes of decay and movement.

The Treasure Room – A collection of Dalí's more personal works, many of which explore themes of mortality and desire.

This museum is particularly unique because it allows visitors to experience Dalí's mind through a combination of artworks and installations, with many rooms designed to enhance the immersive experience.

Visitor Information:

Hours:

January 1 and Mondays: Closed

April 1–11 and September: 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM

July–August: 9:00 AM – 7:15 PM

Admission Fees:

General Admission: €18

Reduced (students, seniors 65+): €15

Guided Tour (in English, Catalan, Spanish, or French): €26

Tickets can be purchased on-site, although advance booking is recommended due to the museum's popularity. The museum is located near the Figueres Vilafant train station, which makes it easily accessible by train from both Barcelona and Perpignan, France.

3. Additional Dalí Museums in Catalonia

In addition to the two major Dalí museums, visitors can explore other significant sites related to Dalí’s life and work in the Catalonia region:

a) Dalí House in Portlligat (Cadaqués)

Dalí’s former residence, located in the small seaside village of Portlligat, was a central space in his creative life. The house is a maze of rooms that were originally small fishermen’s cottages, now transformed into a home filled with Dalí’s personal belongings and artwork. The house reflects Dalí’s quirky and imaginative nature.

Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:50 PM in the summer months.

Admission: Tickets are available for timed entry, and guided tours are highly recommended to explore the house's unique features.

b) Dalí Castle in Púbol

This medieval castle, purchased by Dalí in the 1970s for his wife, Gala, is a place where Dalí’s later works are on display. The castle also houses many personal artifacts, providing insight into Dalí's relationship with Gala, who played a central role in his life and art.

Hours: Similar to the Portlligat house, opening times vary seasonally.

Admission: Tickets are available on-site and online, with some discounts for students and groups.

4. The Dalí Experience

Visitors interested in fully immersing themselves in Dalí’s world are encouraged to visit all three sites (the Dalí Theatre-Museum, Dalí House in Portlligat, and Dalí Castle in Púbol). These locations, located about 40 km apart, give a comprehensive view of Dalí’s evolution as an artist and a person.

The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg and the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres are the main attractions for anyone interested in understanding Dalí’s artistic legacy, but a trip to the additional locations in Catalonia offers a more personal glimpse into his life.

This makes a visit to the Salvador Dalí Museums a deeply enriching experience, whether you're captivated by his dreamlike surrealism, his personal story, or his extraordinary architectural vision.