All things Dalí in the place he was born – step into the home of Surrealism
{{ticket-block-triple}}
Located in the charming town of Figueres, Catalonia, Spain is the Dali Theatre-Museum. Home to the eccentric genius that was Salvador Dali, one of the most celebrated surrealist artists of the 20th century. The unique museum (the building itself is often hailed as the largest surrealist object in the world) offers visitors a fascinating journey into the mind of the man himself, Dali.
As visitors approach the museum, they are greeted by a visually stunning facade which is adorned with oversized eggs and golden statues and sets the tone for the surreal experience that awaits inside as it provides a glimpse into the whimsical and dreamlike world of Salvador Dali.
Salvador Dali designed the building himself and most would suggest its also a piece of art in its own right. Standing on the remains of the former Municipal Theatre of Figueres (which is where Dali had his first exhibition as a young artist), the architecture is a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles and creates a surreal atmosphere that mirrors Dali's imaginative world. The museum was inaugurated in 1974, and Dali himself is buried in a crypt below it.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Mae West Room. This is where Dali employed his mastery of optical illusions. The room is a three-dimensional living portrait of the iconic actress Mae West when it's viewed from a specific vantage point. This optical play exemplifies Dali's fascination with distorting reality to create thought-provoking and visually captivating art.
The museum houses an extensive collection of Dali's works which include paintings, sculptures, and other installations. Visitors can witness iconic pieces such as "The Persistence of Memory," featuring the famous melting clocks, and "Galatea of the Spheres," showcasing Dali's fascination with mathematical precision and the cosmic.
The collection offers a comprehensive view of Dali's evolution as an artist, from his early impressionist works to his later surreal masterpieces.
Throughout the museum, visitors will encounter recurring 'Dalinian' symbols, such as ants, crutches, and distorted figures. These symbols are woven into Dali's works, adding layers of meaning and complexity to his art. Exploring the museum becomes a journey of deciphering these symbols and unravelling the enigma of Dali's creative mind.
Dali was born on 11 May 1904 in Figueres, which is also now home to the Dali Theatre-Museum. He was born Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto i Domènech to parents, Salvador Dali i Cusi & Felipa Domenech Ferrés.
Tragically, Dali lost his mother when he was just 16, which deeply impacted Salvador jnr. His parents had both supported his artistic talents from an early age.
At the age of 17, Dali was enrolled at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid, where he would be influenced by Impressionism and Cubism. However, it was here be began to develop his own style by blending realistic and dreamlike elements and started to master his talent.
A pivotal figure in Dali's life and artistry was Elena Ivanovna Diakonova, known as Gala. They met in 1929, and she became his muse, his collaborator, and eventually, his wife.
Gala played a crucial role in influencing Dali's work and inspired many of his surreal and dreamlike compositions. Their relationship was tumultuous, yet their connection remained unbroken until Gala's death in 1982.
Salvador Dali died on 23 January 1989. Two years after Gala died, he was injured in a housefire at the castle in Pubol. He was confined to a wheelchair after, which is when he moved back to Figueres and lived at the Teatro-Museo for the remainder of his life until his death in January 1989 aged 84. His legacy stretches far beyond his death though and still to this day his impact remains and his works still captivate audiences around the world.
Among Dali's most famous works is "The Persistence of Memory," a surreal masterpiece that features melting clocks draped over distorted landscapes. This iconic painting which was created in 1931, captures the fluidity of time and the subjective nature of reality. It remains an enduring symbol of Dali's ability to bend the boundaries of perception. The image of the melting clock is very famous.
In "The Elephants," Dali explores the theme of weightlessness and elongation. The gracefully elongated legs of the elephants evoke a sense of instability and challenge our perceptions of space and gravity. This painting is a testament to Dali's ability to translate his dreams and subconscious thoughts onto canvas.
Dali's exploration of religious themes is evident in his piece "The Sacrament of the Last Supper." Departing from traditional depictions, Dali infused this iconic scene with his unique surrealistic style. The painting conveys a sense of mysticism, with distorted figures and symbolic elements that invite viewers to interpret the scene in their own way.