The city of Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. From the breathtaking architecture of Antoni Gaudi to the bustling streets of Las Ramblas, Barcelona is a must-see for travelers. One of its most iconic attractions is the Dali Museum, located just outside the city center in Figueres.
Dali Museum Barcelona - In A Nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2-3 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Early morning |
| 😍 Guided Tour Tickets | €45 |
| 🚇 Closest Station | Figueres |
Must-see
Port Alguer
The Spectre of Sex-appeal
Galarina
Mae West Lips Sofa
Things to know
Constructed in: 1974
Art form: Surrealism
Architect: Joaquim de Ros i Ramis and Alexandre Bonaterra
Location: Figueres
Opening Hours And Address
Tuesday to Sunday - 10.30 AM to 17.10 PM.
Closed on Mondays except April 3rd and 10th; May 1st, 8th and 29th; September 11th
Address: Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres, Girona, Spain
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Why is Dali Museum Barcelona worth visiting?
- Explore the world of Surrealism through the life and works of Salvador Dali. You’ll get to see some of Dali's most famous works, such as The Spectre of Sex-appeal and The Swallow's Tail.
- Learn about Dali's fascination with science and how it influenced his artistic vision. Some of the artworks that touch on scientific themes include ‘Galatea of the Spheres’ and Dali’s Holographic art collection.
- The Dali Museum in Barcelona also has a collection of jewelry designed by the artist himself. The pieces are intricate and unique, featuring motifs such as insects, animals, and religious symbols.
- The Geodesic Dome at the Dali Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and art. This impressive structure is not only visually stunning, but it also houses an incredible collection of Dali's sculptures.
- The Dali Museum in Barcelona is a treasure trove of art that includes optical illusions, stereographs, and anamorphic art. These unique pieces will challenge your perception of reality and take you on a journey through the mind of Salvador Dali.
Dali Museum Recommended Tickets
If you're planning a visit to the Dali Museum in Barcelona, purchasing a guided tour ticket is a great way to enhance your experience.
Dali Museum Barcelona History
Before the Dali Museum was transformed into a museum, the building used to be a theater in the center of the town. It was here where Salvador Dali had his first public exhibition. The theater was largely destroyed at the end of the Spanish Civil War and remained untouched for a long while.
Interestingly, the idea for the museum came from the city's mayor at the time, who was eager to create a lasting monument to honor Dali's legacy. Dali was enthusiastic about the proposal and set about designing the museum himself. He spent several years working on the project and transforming the space into the surreal wonderland that it is today.
Although the museum opened in 1974, Salvador Dali lived in the museum from 1984 to 1989, adding his personal touch to the building. In addition to the fascinating interior, the museum's exterior is also a work of art. At the center of the museum, there is a large glass geodesic dome which was designed by Salvador Dali himself, inspired by the geodesic designs of R. Buckminster Fuller. Dali's crypt is also located within the museum, making it a pilgrimage site for fans of the artist.
Dali Museum Architecture
The Dali museum is spread across three floors and features a wide range of rooms and exhibits. The museum was designed by Catalan architects Joaquim de Ros i Ramis and Alexandre Bonaterra, under the guidance of Dali himself.
One of the most striking features of the museum is the enormous egg-like structure that sits atop the building, adorned with golden heads. This symbolizes the birth of new ideas, a recurring theme in Dali's work. The centerpiece of the Dali Museum is the stunning cupola, a large glass dome at the heart of the museum, and it is made from over 1,500 pieces of glass. The museum's facade is also decorated with a red tower, which adds to the eccentricity of the design.
Many of the doorways and corridors in the museum are painted in a way that blurs the line between reality and illusion. The museum includes a room dedicated to Dali's interest in holography, featuring a range of holographic works. The architectural style of the Dali museum can be characterized as surrealistic and provocative, reflecting Salvador Dali’s artistic vision and passion for science.
Top Highlights Of Dali Museum
1Mae West Room
The Mae West Room is one of the most unique features of the museum. It is shaped like a face of the famous actress Mae West, and is designed to be viewed from a specific spot, where it appears three-dimensional. The room is decorated with a variety of objects that have been carefully placed to create the illusion of facial features.
2The Palace of the Wind Room
This room features a large-scale ceiling painting titled "Central Panel of the Wind Palace," which was created by Salvador Dalí between 1969 and 1973. The painting is based on the poem "L'Empordà" by Joan Maragall which references the Empordà region and the Tramuntana, the northern wind . The Palace of the Wind room is known for its stunning and unique artwork that depicts Dalí's interpretation of the wind.
3 The Rainy Taxi
The Rainy Taxi is an installation that features a life-size automobile with two mannequin occupants. The front seat of the taxi consists of a male chauffeur with a shark head, and the back seat has a female mannequin. Inside the cadillac, there’s a system of pipes that causes "rainfall" within the taxi, adding to the overall surreal atmosphere of the artwork.
4The Swallow’s Tail
This painting is considered as Dali’s last painting and was completed in May 1983 as part of a series based on the mathematical catastrophe theory of René Thom. In the painting, each surface is incorporated alongside the curves of a cello, set against a gentle blue background.
5Dali Jewels
Dali Jewels is a permanent exhibition at the Dali Theatre and Museum. The exhibition showcases Salvador Dali's unique collection of thirty-seven gold and precious stone jewels, as well as twenty-seven drawings and paintings made by Dali in designing the jewels.
6Leda Atomica
Leda Atomica is a painting completed by Salvador Dali in 1949. It depicts Leda, the mythological queen of Sparta, with a swan. The painting incorporates different objects such as a book, a set square, two stepping stools, and an egg that float around the main figure. The painting follows a rigid mathematical framework based on the "divine proportion" and is organized according to a compact and clear logical system.
Best Time To Visit Dali Museum
Dali museum is a popular tourist attraction so you can expect crowds during peak season and weekends. The best time to visit the museum is during the spring or fall months when temperatures are milder and more comfortable. Additionally, it’s worth visiting during the less busy times of the day such as early morning and late afternoons. It's also recommended to get a guided tour ticket to fully enjoy the museum's exhibits and architecture.
Read more about Best time to visit Barcelona here.
Dali Museum Opening Hours
- The Dali Museum in Figueres is open all year round, except on January 1st. The museum has different opening hours depending on the time of year:
- From 1st January to 30th June, 2023 and 1st September to 31st December, 2023: Tuesday to Sunday - 10.30 AM to 17.10 PM. Closed on Mondays except April 3rd and 10th; May 1st, 8th and 29th; September 11th
- From 1st July to 31st August, 2023: Open daily - 9.00 AM to 19.15 PM
Getting There
- By Car: If you are traveling from Barcelona, you need to take the AP7 motorway and exit at Figueres.
- By Train: There are five trains that stop at the Figueres station - Line Barcelona - Figueres (RENFE) Line Perpignan - Figueres Vilafant (SNCF), Line Perpignan - Figueres Vilafant (SNCF), Line Paris - Figueres-Vilafant (AVE / AVANT), Line Barcelona - Figueres Vilafant (AVE / AVANT). The Dali museum is at a 12 minute walk from the Figueres station
- By Bus: There are four direct buses to Figueres – Line Girona Airport - Figueres (SARFA) Line Perpignan - Figueres (EUROLINES), Bus Vilafant-Figueres, Line Barcelona and Maresme Coast - Figueres (SAGALÉS)
Insider Tips to Visiting Dali Museum
- Entry with objects larger than 35 x 35 x 25 cm, rucksacks, bags, umbrellas and pushchairs is restricted.
- Only a few sections of the museum are wheelchair friendly namely, the central courtyard, the stage, the Treasure Room, the Fishmonger’s Room and the under-stage area.
- Photography is allowed but without flash and other physical equipment.
- To view the raindrops inside the 'The Rainy Taxi' exhibit, visitors will need to insert 1€ into the box located next to the Cadillac.
- Take your time and explore the museum thoroughly, as every angle offers something unique and exciting to see.
- Book a guided tour to understand the genius of Salvador Dali and learn about exquisite symbolism in his art.
- Photography is allowed, but you must avoid flash photography or the use of tripods.
- Dali by the Night is a special night exhibition that happens during summer. This year’s dates are yet to be announced, make sure you check the official website before your visit.
Interesting Facts about Dali Museum
- The museum is located in the hometown of Salvador Dali, who is buried in a crypt below the stage in the museum's main hall.
- The museum is known to be as the World’s largest surreal object.
- The museum offers virtual visits as well, allowing visitors to explore the museum online.
- The museum was inaugurated by Salvador Dali himself in 1974, and he continued to work on it until his death in 1989.
- The second floor gallery is dedicated to the works of Antoni Pitxot, a catalan artist and also Dali’s close friend who served as the director of the museum after his death.
Restaurants Nearby
Burguer Placa is a popular bar-restaurant located in the heart of Figueres, just in front of the Dali Museum. With a spacious terrace overlooking the museum's dome, this fast-food joint is perfect for tourists looking for a quick, tasty bite.
La Taverna del Barri Vell is a must-visit restaurant in Figueres. The menu is full of traditional Catalan dishes that have been improvised recently. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, perfect for a date night. Don't forget to try the local wines!
This charming restaurant captures the essence of Catalan cuisine in every dish! The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make for a welcoming dining experience. The Tapas menu over here is highly recommended.
At a 100 meters distance from the Dali Museum, restaurant offers a wide range of dishes to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The restaurant serves honest homemade food and they also have vegan options along with the traditional dishes.
Dalicatessen is a must-visit cafe serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and drinks. The outside terrace is an ideal place to relax and unwind while enjoying your meals or drinks.
Things to do around Dali Museum
Located in the heart of the city, the Toy Museum of Catalonia is spread over three floors and offers an extensive collection of toys and games. On the ground floor, you'll find an information desk, temporary exhibitions, and spaces for children to draw and color. The first floor is dedicated to the games of ancient times, featuring spinning tops, dolls, figurines, and even the remains of a board game named Ur, which dates back to 3000BC and is considered to be a direct antecedent of chess.
Distance from Dali Museum: 210 m
La Rambla de Figueres is a hall-type promenade located in the center of the city. The central promenade is bordered by banana trees and consists of white tiled floor and vintage lighting. La Rambla is the converging point for cities social life and considered as the communication hub of Figueres.
Distance from Dali Museum: 270 m
The Sant Ferran Castle is a large military fortress situated on a hill in Figueres. The fortress was built to replace Fort de Bellegarde, which had been the border defense for Spain. The castle was named Sant Ferran (San Fernando in Spanish) in honor of King Ferdinand VI of Spain.
Distance from Dali Museum: 1.5 km
The Technology Museum of l'Empordà may be small and unassuming, but it boasts a treasure trove of antique machines that transport visitors back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries. Its collection of more than 3,000 machines, including rare typewriters, sewing machines, clocks, and telephones, has been amassed over the past 30 years by the museum's dedicated owners.
Distance from Dali Museum: 700 m
Hotels around Dali Museum
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FAQs
Yes, you can take photography but using flash or any equipment is strictly restricted.
It takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore the Dali Museum in Figueres.
Yes, if you are an art enthusiast and want to learn about the life and works of Salvador Dali then you must visit the Dali Museum.
The Dali Museum Barcelona is in Figueres which is also Salvador Dali’s birthplace.
Yes, you can book a guided tour of the Dali Museum for €45.
