Located along the craggy coast of Catalonia, Spain, the Salvador Dali House Museum is a surprising blend of fantasy and reality.
This place was once his home and workplace, where he worked for 40 years, carefully kept just as it was.
Gradually transformed from a small fisherman’s hut, the museum contains various personal items, unique sculptures, and surreal interior designs.
Each corner of the house tells a story, revealing the depth of his imagination and unconventional approach to art.
He defined his home as “like a real biological structure […]. Each new pulse in our life had its own new cell, its room”.
About 30% of people who visit the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres also go to see his House Museum in Portlligat and the Gala Dali Castle in Pubol.
Snapshot
Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 7:50 pm
Best Time to Visit: 9:30 am or around 2:30 pm.
Last Entry: One hour before closing
Time Needed: Around 50 minutes
Ticket Cost: €15 ($16)
Address: Portlligat, E- 17488 Cadaques
The History of Salvador Dali House
In 1930, Salvador Dali purchased a modest fisherman’s house in Portlligat, which he later transformed into his iconic home.
Dalí was attracted to Portlligat because of its unique setting on Cape Creus, which inspired many of his surrealist pieces.
Over 40 years, this place became central to both his life and artistic output.
In 1993, Dalí added an extension with a studio and workshop space, enlarging the original hut.
This gave him the opportunity to dedicate a lot of time to the new studio’s paintings, such as “The Enigma of Hitler.”
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Dalí kept expanding the Portlligat house, adding new rooms, towers, walkways, and avant-garde hallways, converting it into a complex network of linked structures.
The home’s renowned Oval Room, with its massive egg-shaped sculpture and Renaissance decor, was constructed by Dalí in the early 1940s.
It became a hub for intellectual gatherings.
Also, during this period, Dalí created the Pool Room, which included a diving board and a depression filled with water, a reflection of his interest in the subconscious.
Further expansions in the 1950s included the Récamier Bedroom, adorned in a luxurious style with whimsical furniture, and the Mae West Room, filled with art and furnishings that captured the essence of the actress.
Dali kept evolving the estate until the 1980s, comprising nine interconnected buildings forming a unique architectural maze.
IN 1982, Dalí left Portlligat for Púbol Castle. Following his death in 1989, the house was converted into the Gala-Salvador Dalí House Museum.
The elaborately designed home he spent decades creating in Portlligat today gives a glimpse into the surrealist world of Salvador Dali.
What to Expect at Salvador Dali House Museum
The interior of the Salvador Dali House is an intricate maze-like structure showcasing the artist’s strange masterpieces, providing a glimpse into his eccentric life.
The property features an observation deck adorned with a giant egg, panoramic views of Cadaques, and unconventional elements such as oversized lips that double as couches.
The museum also protects the priceless art collection from hurricanes, with the building designed to withstand 165-mph wind loads of a Category 5, 200-year hurricane.
From the interior details to the coastal views, here’s what to expect when you visit this iconic location:
The Entrance Courtyard
The entrance is filled with sculptures blending human, animal, and vegetable forms, reflecting Dalí’s surreal style.
Additionally, the walls contain substrate, seaweed, and objects Dalí found on the beach.
The Studio
This is where he worked on his paintings and other creative projects.
You’ll find his drawing board, palettes, paints, and brushes in the studio.
One interesting feature of the studio is the mirror Dalí used while painting.
It’s fascinating to see the tools and materials that this iconic artist used to bring his surreal visions to life.
You’ll also find some unfinished works that offer insight into his creative process.
The Library
Housing over 10,000 volumes, contains books and classic artwork that inspired Dalí and his own publications.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an artist who was always seeking inspiration and pushing the boundaries of his craft.
The Crypt
The Crypt is a small cellar room located in the Salvador Dali Museum House, where the artist sought solitude and silence.
The room has bare stone walls carved into alcoves, creating a sense of seclusion and intimacy.
It is a unique space that reflects Dalí’s interest in the subconscious and his desire for introspection.
The Oval Room
The iconic Oval Room has an enormous egg-shaped sculpture, a framed butterfly wing, and Renaissance-style details, including arches and a ceiling painted like the sky.
The Pool
The Pool Room contains a shallow pool with a diving board which you can walk across.
It was one of the last areas to be completed, finished in 19711.
Each room in the house, including the pool area, looks out onto Portlligat Bay, a scene that Dalí painted many times.
The Terrace
The upstairs terrace provides scenic panoramic views of Portlligat Bay and the surrounding landscape that inspired Dalí.
Whether you’re a fan of his art or simply looking for a beautiful spot to relax and take in the scenery, the Terrace is definitely worth a visit.
Artworks and Personal Items
Whether you’re a fan of his art or simply looking for a beautiful spot to relax and take in the scenery, the Terrace is definitely worth a visit.
Additionally, you’ll see Dalí’s personal belongings, providing insight into his daily life and eccentric personality.
Olive Green Garden
This area was used as an additional studio by Dali, especially for making sculptures and performances.
The garden is filled with curiosities like a funky lip-shaped sofa flanked by giant Pirelli tire signs and an abundance of Dalí’s signature giant eggs.
The circular construction in this area became accessible to visitors on 4 August 2009.
Types of Tickets for Dali House Museum Spain
There are two types of Salvador Dali House Museum tickets that you opt for: Salvador Dali House entry ticket and Dali Theatre Museum and Salvador Dali House combo ticket.
Salvador Dali House Museum Admission Ticket
This Dali House Museum entrance ticket is the cheapest and most popular way to access the museum.
For only €15 ($16), you can see the famous sculptures that adorn the villa, including the giant egg and a pair of huge heads.
Explore the art within the home of Salvador Dalí, where he lived for over 50 years and admire iconic sculptures such as the giant egg and a pair of colossal heads.
The collection includes bony elephants, giraffes, a taxidermied horse and the burial place of Gala, Dali’s beloved wife and muse.
Ticket Price
Adult (9 + years): €15 ($16)
Child ticket (up to 8 years): Free Entry
Dali Theatre Museum and Salvador Dali House Ticket
With a combo ticket, you can visit Dali’s two most visited attractions in one ticket.
Additionally, it provides fast-track access to the Dali Museum Figueres, where Dalí lived until Gala’s death.
Furthermore, you have the flexibility to explore each museum at your own pace without feeling rushed.
And it costs only €25 ($25) for adults, which is €5 ($5) more than the cheapest entry ticket.
Simply select your preferred date and time for each museum and enjoy a personalized and relaxed experience.
Dali House Museum Ticket Prices
Dali Theatre-Museum Ticket Price
Adult (9 + years): €21 ($23)
Child ticket (up to 8 years): Free Entry
Dali House Museum Ticket Price
Adult (9 + years):€15 ($16)
Senior (65 + years): €10 ($11)
Student (9 to 16 years: €10 ($11)
Child ticket (up to 8 years): Free Entry
Dali House Museum Hours
The House Museum of Salvador in Spain is open all year round but has different hours depending on the season.
During peak season (17 June to 8 September), Dali House Museum opens from 9:30 am to 7:50 pm, giving you lots of time to look around.
From 1 January to 16 June and 9 September to 31 December, the museum’s hours of operation are 10:30 am to 8:10 pm.
It remains closed every Monday of February, March, November and December, and also on 3 June, 7 October, 25 December and 1 January.
To ensure everyone can enjoy their visit without being too crowded, the museum allows a small group of up to eight people at a time.
Every ten minutes, starting when the museum opens, a new group gets to start exploring.
This way, you get a closer look at Dali’s art in a more personal setting.
| Months | Museum Timings | Closed Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January to 16 June | 10:30 am to 8:10 pm | Every Monday (February and March)1 January |
| 17 June to 8 September | 9:30 am to 7:50 pm | 3 June |
| 9 September to 31 December | 10:30 am to 8:10 pm | Every Monday (November and December)7 October and 25 December |
When is the Best Time to Visit the Salvador Dali House Museum?
The best time to visit the Dali House Museum in Spain is during the initial opening hours at 9:30 am for a less crowded visit.
However, if you are not an early bird, visit in the afternoon around 2:30 pm.
During this time, most visitors are gone for lunch, resulting in a fewer crowd at the museum.
While visiting the museum, you can also explore the lovely town of Cadaques, which adds to the experience.
Midweek, like Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, tend to be less crowded than weekends.
For those seeking the perfect balance of outdoor fun and comfortable weather, consider visiting during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October).
The weather is pleasant, and the coastal landscape is vibrant with less crowds.
How to Reach Salvador Dali House Museum Portlligat
The Salvador Dali House Portlligat is in the small fishing village of Portlligat, near the town of Cadaques in Catalonia, Spain.
Getting there is easy; the castle is accessible via a short drive from Figueres, Girona, and Barcelona.
It is around 173 km (107 miles) away from Barcelona.
| Address | Entrance |
|---|---|
| Portlligat E- 17488 Cadaqués | Reservations must always be made in advance. The visit to the house museum is undertaken in restricted-size groups (8 people). |
Dali House Museum From Barcelona by Car
- Take the AP-7 motorway towards France and exit at Figueres.
- Then follow the C-260 road towards Roses, turn left before entering Roses, and take the GI-614 road towards Cadaqués.
- At the entrance to Cadaqués, turn left to Portlligat.
- It takes 15 minutes to walk from Cadaques to Portlligat.
Salvador Dali House From Perpignan
- Take the A9 motorway towards La Jonquera.
- Then, the N-II road to Figueres follows the AP-7 motorway towards Barcelona.
Salvador Dali House by Train
To reach Salvador Dali House in Portlligat, Spain, by train, you can take the following routes:
- From Barcelona: Take the RENFE train line to Figueres and then a taxi or bus to Cadaqués and Portlligat.
- From Perpignan, France: Take the SNCF train line to Figueres-Vilafant and then a taxi or bus to Cadaqués and Portlligat.
- From Paris: Take the AVE/AVANT train line to Figueres-Vilafant and then a taxi or bus to Cadaqués and Portlligat.
Once you arrive in Figueres, you can take a taxi or bus to Cadaqués and then walk to Portlligat, which takes around 15 minutes.
Please note that the Salvador Dali House is located in the small village of Port Lligat.
It is accessed from Cadaqués via a steep uphill and downhill walk, which takes about 15 minutes one way.
How to Reach Salvador Dali House by Sea
Take a boat or a ferry to the nearby port town of Cadaques.
From there, you can either take a taxi or walk to Portlligat.
The walk is around one mile (1.5 km) and takes around 20 minutes.
It’s a scenic walk and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
You can also opt to take a private boat tour that will take you directly to the house and offer a unique perspective of the coastline.
Contents
Dali House Museum Parking
Free public parking is available in two lots located near the entrance to Portlligat village, about a 5 to 10-minute walk uphill to Dalí’s house.
Paid private parking can also be found closer to the house entrance along the main road, costing around €5 to €10 for the day.
Dali House Museum Accessibility
The Salvador Dalí House is built with former fishermen’s cabins, which give it a unique character.
However, due to the narrow and irregular steps leading to all the rooms, it can be challenging to access the building for people with reduced mobility.
Additionally, the house is situated in the natural surroundings of Cap de Creus, which adds to its charm but also adds to the difficulty of accessibility.
Unfortunately, this means that the Salvador Dalí House is not wheelchair accessible.
How Long Does it Take to Tour Salvador Dali Museum House?
The visit to the Salvador Dali House in Portlligat takes about 50 minutes.
To ensure everyone gets the most out of their visit, the house museum only allows restricted-size groups of up to eight people.
This means you’ll have plenty of space to explore the incredible exhibits leisurely.
Groups are admitted every ten minutes from the stated opening time to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Don’t forget to book your reservation in advance, as they must always visit the Salvador Dali House in Portlligat.
Featured Image: Spainbyhanne.dk
