The new Salvador Dali museum opened at 1 Dali Boulevard in St. Petersburg, Fla on on 1-11-11 eight blocks from its former location. Although it has been open less than a year it has already had more than 200,000 visitors, become a meeting spot and landmark, a backdrop for photos, a stop on Segway tours and more.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the new museum and found all of my favorite works such as The Persistence, Lincoln, Hallucinogenic Toreador and Discovery of America. The museum boasts the largest Dali collection outside of Spain including 2,140 pieces of Dali's work, 96 oil paintings and eight master works that measure over 5'.
The Building
The building itself is built with a Dali-esque feel complete with a massive windowed front that is made with more than 900 triangular-shaped glass panels of which no two are shaped alike. According to the museum, "This geodesic glass structure - nicknamed the "Glass Enigma" - is the only structure of its kind in North America and is a 21st century expression of Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome as utilized in Dalí's Teatro Museo in Figueres , Spain."
Inside there is a Helical Staircase that resembles a strand of DNA which leads to the third floor where the galleries are located and then continues to nowhere. Amenities of the museum include a café, theater, classroom and student gallery.
The Museum Mission
The mission of the museum adopted as of 1999: The Dali Museumshall educate the public and promote understanding, enjoyment and scholarly examination of art through the exhibition of works by Dali and artists of similar vision. The Dali Museum shall preserve and expand its collection of art of Dali and related archival material. In cooperation with other museums and educational institutions, The Dali Museum shall be an active resource in the cultural life of our local, state, national and world communities by the presentation of intriguing and varied exhibitions and programs.
Where the Art Came From
The museum said the core collection of works was donated by Cleveland industrialist, A. Reynolds Morse and his wife Eleanor. It represents the culmination of a 45-year friendship between the Morses and Dali and his wife, Gala.Hours of Operation
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday
12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Ticket prices
Ranges from $7 to $21.
Adults: $21
Seniors 65+, Military, Police and Firefighters: $19
Children 13 to 18 & students 18+ with ID: $15
Children 6 to 12: $7
Children 5 and younger: free
After 5 p.m. on Thursday: $10
Other Facts about the Dali
Location: 1 Dali Blvd St. Petersburg, FL 33701Size of the Building: 66,400 square feet
Galleries include the Permanent Collection Gallery, Special Exhibition Gallery and Children's Gallery
Exhibition space: 15,000 square feet. There is also a theater open for films, lectures, recitals, and concerts. A library is open for public use by appointment, and for special research. The exterior of the museum features a garden that is open and free for public use.
Salvador Dali Museum Website
