Dali Museum Figueres vs Dali Museum St. Petersburg

Salvador Dalí, the surrealist artist, was a genius and an architect of dreams. 

He didn’t just create art on canvas; his art spilled into his life, relationships, and the places he lived.

His immersive theaters will take you into his imagination’s strange and wonderful world.

Several museums and theaters worldwide are dedicated to showcasing his art. 

Among his best creations include theaters, especially the Dalí Theatre-Museum in his hometown of Figueres and the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Dali Museum Figueres vs Dali Museum St. Petersburg: Location

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Dali Museum Figueres vs Dali Museum St. Petersburg: Opening Hours

Dali Museum in Figueres operates from 9 am to 7:15 pm during peak months (July to August) and 9:30 am to 5:15 pm in September. 

From January 1 to June 30, it operates from 10:30 am to 5:15 pm, and from October 1 to December 31, the timings remain the same, from 10:30 am to 5:15 pm.

Closed on Mondays. Last entry two hours before closing. 

Exhibition rooms close 15 minutes before the official time. 

On the other hand, the Dali Museum St. Petersburg is open throughout the year from 10 am to 6 pm and until 8 pm on Thursdays.

In 2024, the Salvador Dalí Museum has special hours on several days. 

• March 2 and April 27, it’s open from 10 am to 3 pm. 

• On March 7, it’s open from 10 am to 4 pm. 

The museum is closed from March 8 to 10 for the Firestone Grand Prix on November 28 and  December 25. 

Dali Museum Figueres vs Dali Museum St. Petersburg: Features

Stepping into the world of Salvador Dalí is like tumbling down a rabbit hole into a dreamscape where reality melts and logic takes a vacation. 

You can explore different dimensions of this mysterious genius with two dedicated museums, one in his hometown of Figueres, Spain, and the other in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida. 

But which museum should you choose? Let’s learn their distinct features to help you decide.

Dali Theatre Museum, Figueres

Nestled in Dalí’s hometown of Figueres, Spain, the Dalí Theatre Museum isn’t just a museum; it’s a surreal playhouse. 

Rebuilt on the destroyed Municipal theatre, Dali himself directed its construction, weaving his signature quirks into every brick of the museum.

Inaugurated in 1974, the Dalí Theatre Museum is considered to be the last great work of Salvador Dalí. 

Giant golden eggs sit on top of the building, symbolizing rebirth and hope. 

Inside, Dali’s warped vision takes over, dipping walls with optical illusions, and bizarre scenes with stuffed animals and mannequins fill the space. 

Get up close and personal with Dali’s life and artistic process. See his childhood drawings, personal belongings, and even his tomb located in the crypt beneath the museum.

Dalí’s most famous pieces include “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln” (Homage to Gala).

Another masterpiece you’ll see is his surreal jewelry in the “Dalí·Jewels” exhibition- the 37 pieces blending precious metals with insects, coral, and his signature dreamlike motifs.

It’s not just a museum; every inch of the museum whispers Dalí’s signature blend of symbolism, humor, and incredible imagination.

Highlights of the “Dalí·Jewels” exhibition at the Figueres Museum:

Dali Museum St Petersburg 

Unlike Figueres, a self-curated showcase of Dalí’s life and art, the St. Petersburg Museum is a treasure trove of his collected works. 

Founded by an eccentric private collector, Morton Stamps, it boasts the largest Dalí art collection outside Spain, with over 2,400 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and objets d’art.

The surrealism-inspired structure features a large glass entryway and skylight made of 1.5-inch thick glass. 

The “Enigma” entryway stands 75 feet tall and encompasses a spiral staircase. 

St. Petersburg has a more regular museum setup with big rooms and neat displays, making it simpler for bigger groups to explore.

Here, you’ll find iconic masterpieces like the melting clocks of “The Persistence of Memory” and the elongated figures of “Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee.”

The displays show all the different kinds of art Salvador Dalí made, from when he started using Cubism to when he got really interested in religion and science. 

It’s a complete collection that helps you understand how Dalí’s art and ideas changed over time.

The museum is not just a place to view art but also a venue for various events. 

These include performances, workshops, films, lectures, and different types of fundraising, food, and drink events. 

There have been weekly poetry performances and lectures, such as coffee with a curator and a presentation on a theme-oriented topic that discusses various Dali-related topics.

Conclusion

So, which museum beckons you more? The choice ultimately depends on what you seek in your Dalí experience.

If you are a Dalí fan, Figueres offers a glimpse into his soul with personal touches and lesser-known works that unveil different sides of his genius.

If you are an art lover, St. Petersburg provides a comprehensive overview, showing how his art changed over time and how creative he was.

For the immersive seeker, Figueres’ theatrical atmosphere challenges your perception and invites you to play detective, deciphering Dalí’s symbolism within the surreal landscape.

Whichever museum you pick, just be open to surprises and let your imagination go wild.

Step into the dreamy places created by this mysterious genius. Remember, the only limit is your own mind.

Featured Image: Lunamarina, Maria Kray