The Best Places to See Salvador Dalí’s Art

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The Teatro Museo in Dalí’s hometown of Figueres is an absolute eye-catcher with its red walls, golden ornaments and giant dome surrounded by enormous eggs placed on the roof. Dalí wanted this museum to be a surrealist journey through his bizarre world and he definitely succeeded in that aim. One of the most remarkable aspects of this museum is that it was built around the old town’s theatre, below which Salvador Dalí himself is now buried. The museum houses the single largest and most diverse collection of works by the artist; not only paintings and drawings but also three-dimensional installations and collages, mechanical devices and even a marvelous collection of jewelry designed by Dalí. This museum is definitely the first port of call for Dalí fans.

A building that brilliantly reflects the surrealism of Dalí’s art through its shape, glasswork and winding stairs, this museum is a true tribute to Salvador Dalí. The 20,000 sqft (1,860sqm) of gallery space here displays an incredible 96 oil paintings and other artworks, all with beautifully explained context. Showings of the sublimely absurd film Un Chien Andalou from 1929 – a joint effort between Dalí and his friend Luis Buñuel – remain shocking to this day. Afterward, head to the contemplation area of the museum to can clear your head in the white-walled room with one window. First and foremost, this museum is outstandingly sharp and clever, just like Salvador Dalí himself.

Not many people have heard about the Ralli Museum in Caesarea, but this hidden gem houses the most amazing collection of Salvador Dalí sculptures. Close to Haifa, this museum is one of five Ralli Museums in the world, an architectural feat with large windows and gorgeous courtyards, and is located in the center of a 40ha (400sqm) garden lush with citrus and olive trees. It’s a place of tranquility and peace, perfect to quietly admire the great works of mostly contemporary Latin American artists, but also artists such as Rodin and, of course, Dalí. As the latter is mostly known for his surreal paintings and drawings, this museum focuses on the often forgotten dimension of his artistry: Dalí’s beautiful bronze statues and sculptures.

Whenever you find yourself on a city trip in beautiful Bruges, don’t forget to pay this exhibition on Salvador Dalí a visit. Located in the city’s most prestigious building, the Belfry, this permanent exhibition is truly an experience you won’t easily find in other museums. An audiovisual spectacle with sensational and dramatic décor, it represents not only Dalí’s work but the man’s character and vision of life as well. A fantastic collection of graphic works, sculptures, aquarelles and drawings are to be marvelled at while bathing in the golden and pink light. An unforgettable experience.

In the heart of Montmartre the small but excellently designed L’Espace Dalí – with France’s only permanent exhibition dedicated solely to Salvador Dalí – offers a unique collection focused on Dalí’s erotic, dreamy or outright hilarious drawings as well as theatrical sculptures, extraordinary lithographies and many of his most famous paintings. A superb insight into Dalí’s remarkably bizarre brain, a highlight of this museum is the area for young artists inspired by Salvador Dalí to exhibit their artwork.