Salvador Dalí was an artist of great talent and imagination. Discover the bizarre, grotesque and genius mind of one of the greatest artists of all time at these five museums in Spain, France, USA, Belgium and Israel.
The Teatro Museo in Dalí’s hometown 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 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 place to go for Dalí-lovers. Price: 9-12€ Opening hours: 9am – 6pm
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 square feet of gallery space displays an incredible 96 oil paintings and other artworks, all with beautifully explained context. Sublimely absurd is Dalí and famous friend Luis Buñuel’s film “Un Chien Andalou” from 1929, a compilation of images the two dreamed about the night before shooting. Still shocking, this film will undoubtedly drive you to the “contemplation area” of the museum, where you can clear your head in the white walled room with one window. First and foremost, this museum is outstandingly sharp and clever, just like you imagine Salvador Dalí to have been. Price: 8-24$ Opening hours: 10am – 5.30pm
Not many people have heard about the Ralli Museum in Caesaria, 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 40-hectare 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 make you forget time and place. Price: Free entrance Opening hours: 10.30am – 5pm
Whenever you find yourself on a city trip in beautiful Bruges, don’t forget to pay this permanent 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. Price: 8-10€ Opening hours: 10am – 6pm
In the heart of Paris’ quartier d’artistes, Montmartre, is the small but excellently designed L’Espace Dalí with France’s only permanent exhibition dedicated solely to Salvador Dalí. It offers a unique collection which makes you fully comprehend just how extravagant and exorbitant Dalí really was, and how emblematic his works were for Surrealism. His erotic, dreamy or outright hilarious drawings, theatrical sculptures, extraordinary lithographies and many of his most famous paintings provide a superb insight into Dalí’s remarkably bizarre brain. A highlight of this museum is the platform for young artists inspired by Salvador Dalí to exhibit their artwork as well. Price: 7-11.50€ Opening hours: 10am – 6pm
