Discover the Dalí Museum

The Dalí Museum’s galleries consist of the James Family and Hough Family wings. The former houses the museum’s permanent collection, and the latter is where you’ll find rotating exhibits.

The world premiere of Dalí Alive 360°, an immersive experience celebrating the life and creative genius of one of the most influential and inventive artists of the modern era, is now open! This multisensory art experience will envelop visitors in 360 degrees of light and sound within the Dalí Dome, a monumental new museum space.

Through October 22, 2023, museum guests can see "Where Ideas Come From: Dalí's Drawings," a special exhibit providing insight into the artist's creative process.

The Dalí has a couple of exhibits fusing art and technology. The first is “Dalí Lives,” where an AI version of Salvador Dalí discusses his life and inspirations. The second is “Dreams of Dalí in Virtual Reality,” where visitors step inside a VR version of “Archaeological Reminiscence of Millet’s ‘Angelus'.” 

The museum was designed by architect Yann Weymouth, who also designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. His most striking feature at the Dalí is the Enigma, a geodesic dome made of 1,062 glass triangles which allow brilliant Florida sunshine into the atrium. It protrudes from 18-inch concrete walls, which protect the collection against the possibility of even a Category 5 hurricane. 

Inside, a winding helix staircase takes visitors from the ground floor up to the galleries on floor three. It’s a tribute to Dalí’s fascination with the structure of DNA, beginning each visitor experience with a climb into the surreal. Guests can enjoy the elevated panorama of Tampa Bay as they ascend.

On your visit, be sure to set aside some time to wander through the Avant Garden, an outdoor space that continues the surreal adventure. Melting clocks cling to benches, and Dalí’s moustache has its own statue. You’ll also find a meditative water feature in The Grotto and subtle nods to the golden ratio in the math garden – a tribute to Dalí’s obsession with numbers in nature.

The Dalí Museum store is filled with quizzical objects that are enjoyable even if you’re not buying. You’ll find melting clock mugs and clocks shaped like tearing eyes, alongside Dalí tarot cards. There’s even a book of touching, funny and bizarre wishes from the Avant Garden’s Wish Tree.

The Spanish-inspired Café Gala offers light tapas, salads and paninis, desserts and coffee, as well as a selection of Spanish wines.
 

Download The Dalí Museum’s app before you go: It offers an augmented reality feature to many of the masterworks. The animation and sounds transform these large-scale paintings into mini-movies, adding another level to the museum experience. The app also offers virtual tours and maps of the museum. Groups can arrange for a docent-led tour.

Admission to the Dalí Museum is via timed tickets, which may be purchased online in advance or in person up until the entry time, as available. 

Tip: Reduced admission is offered on Thursdays after 5 p.m. Special sensory days are offered at the museum from time to time (call to inquire). Kids and parents alike enjoy "dillydally with Dalí," an interactive art activity offered periodically by the museum.