The New Dalí Museum

Dali Museum: One Year Later: 1/11/12

St. Petersburg, Florida's iconic Dalí Museum celebrated its one year anniversary on January 11th, 2012. Among the many milestones in its first year, the popularity of the new Dalí Museum was firmly established with visits by more than 350,00 people from 43 countries. Showcasing the work of famous Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí, the Dalí Museum centers on one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. It’s the largest collection of his work outside of Spain, housed in a building that's a masterpiece in its own right, making AOL Travel’s list of "Buildings You Have to See Before You Die."

The Dalí Museum is located on downtown St. Pete’s beautiful waterfront, next to the Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater. The architecturally striking building displays many more of Dalí's unique pieces than was previously possible. The 2,000-piece permanent collection includes oil paintings, sculptures, sketches, prints, photographs and other objects of art.

The Dalí Museum: A Downtown Icon

This stunning landmark has made big news over the last year and it continues to draw local and worldwide attention. High-profile architect Yann Weymouth (who worked with I.M Pei on the Louvre’s glass pyramid) created the design to pay homage to Dalí’s free-flowing imagination. The structure represents the artist’s blend of classical and fantastical styles.

Eighteen-inch-thick concrete walls make up the 66,000-square-foot building while a seemingly fluid glass portion, known as “The Enigma”, wraps around the building like one of Dali’s melting clocks. It's the only structure of its kind in North America. The glass is composed of 1,062 triangular shaped panels that provide a kaleidoscopic view of the panoramic St. Petersburg waterfront. No two glass panels are identical. The Helical Staircase is the main architectural focus of the interior and spirals from the ground to the third floor galleries.

Definitively Dalí

Dalí-inspired inside and out, this cultural gem is full of surprises. An Avant-Garden mixing organic elements of earth and water welcomes visitors. Inside, the comprehensive collection offers a fascinating portrait of the artist. Most Dalí novices are surprised to learn that the artist was not just a surrealist: in his early years, he painted impeccable landscapes, portraits and still lifes. His later works astound with fascinating double images and dramatic religious themes. Of the 18 so-called Masterworks produced by Dalí, eight are located in the St. Petersburg Dalí Museum.

Kids Welcome

The Dalí Museum offers kids a playful introduction to fine art – not surprising considering surrealism’s penchant for eye trickery. Ask for the Surreal Family Guide, which directs kids through the museum and points out interesting facts. And don’t miss the new children's gallery. Outside, wander through the hedge garden labyrinth or check out the Dali Wish Tree, located in the Avant-Garden. The pavers demonstrating the Golden Rectangle and Pi are also sure to invoke thought.

Visit the Dalí Museum

Dalí Museum
1 Dalí Blvd
St. Petersburg, Florida