: An artistic fantasy found under the Florida sun

An artistic fantasy found under the Florida sun

A museum dedicated to the fantastical and absurd genius of Spanish artist Salvador Dali has just celebrated its first birthday in St Petersburg, Florida, and this permanent home to the most comprehensive collection of Dali’s work in the world offers a tourist visit with a twist for holidaymakers in the Sunshine State.

The Dali Museum in St Petersburgh - Picture Credit: liangjinjian

The splendidly striking museum, designed by world renowned architect Yann Weymouth, is a fabulous showcase and its design reflects the dynamic personality of Dali himself. With a giant skylight dome, a double helix central staircase almost reaching to the top of the 75 foot high atrium, an external labyrinth and more than 2,000 of the artist’s works on show, the museum has something to thrill all ages.

The heart of the collection was acquired by Ohio philanthropists Albert Reynolds and Eleanor Morse – the couple were long standing friends of the artist’s, bought their first painting in 1942 and collected Dali’s works throughout their lives. They originally used their mansion to exhibit the works but later sought a permanent home, and St Petersburg citizens stepped in.

The original museum was opened in the 1980s but the new building, opened in January 2011, permits the showing of many more works of art, as well as offering the security of a construction designed to withstand level 5 hurricanes. The museum, at No 1 Dali Boulevard, St Petersburg, overlooks the marina and the Dali collection has proved a huge draw – six out of ten visitors are from outside the United States.

St Petersburg is now twinned with the artist’s hometown, Figueres in Catalunya, northern Spain, which boasts the world famous Dali Theatre museum, designed by the artist himself and where his body was buried in the basement crypt when he died in 1989, aged 85.

Many people are familiar with Dali’s “melting clocks” work – but there is so much more to the artist. He may have been as mad as a box of frogs, but his captivating creativity and imagination, here on display in St Petersburg, offer a fascinating alternative day out to Orlando’s famous theme parks. No way is this the typical art gallery visit – it’s designed to overwhelm the senses.

Parts of the museum, including the gardens, are free, and the entrance fee includes free audio tour head sets with information for adults and youngsters, as well as informative guided tours. St Petersburg is just 79 miles from Kissimmee, and guests at CLC Worldwide’s Encantada resort will find it an easy drive.

Visit www.thedali.org for more information.