– This post was written by Emma Levin –
The Dalí Theatre-Museum is a homage to Salvador Dalí’s incredible legacy and his devotion to surrealism. The museum was self-curated by Dalí himself and is a one-of-a-kind experience for any fans of the artist. Located in Figueres in the Costa Brava region of Spain, this magical museum is the perfect day trip from Barcelona.
The museum showcases the artist’s sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, and drawings. At least 1,500 art pieces are on display within the museum, and many of them create optical illusions or move on their own accord!
From the black Cadillac in the courtyard to the Mae West Room, there are so many incredible exhibits to experience at this bizarre museum. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before your visit in 2024, including the unique history behind the museum and the Dalí Theatre-Museum’s hours.
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History of the Dalí Theatre-Museum
The Dalí Theatre-Museum is the largest surrealist object in the world. It’s Dalí’s ultimate artist statement.
The museum came to be after the mayor of Dalí’s hometown, Figueres, requested Dalí donate a piece of art to the town’s museum. However, Dalí believed his hometown deserved better, so he decided to create the Dalí Theatre-Museum instead.
He built the museum on the ruins of the town’s former Municipal Theatre, which was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. The location was perfect since Dalí considered himself a theatrical artist and the original theatre’s lobby is where he hosted his first ever art exhibition.
Dalí decorated the interior so visitors feel as if they’re inside one of the artist’s paintings. Some rooms even have furniture designed and placed strategically to give off a 3-D effect.
The museum has several iconic features, including a huge transparent dome meant to resemble a fly’s eye. Dalí’s crypt is also located within the museum for many guests to pay their respects.
After 50 years of operation, the Dalí Theatre-Museum remains a fitting tribute to the work of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
Where is the Dalí Theatre-Museum located?
The Dalí Theatre-Museum is located in Figueres, Spain, which is less than an hour’s train ride from Barcelona. The Museum is a stop along the Dalínian Triangle, which is a popular route consisting of three locations where Dalí lived and created art in his lifetime. The Dalí Theatre-Museum is located within the Costa Brava region, making it an accessible day trip from Barcelona.
Highlights from the Dalí Theatre-Museum
The Dalí Jewels Exhibition Room
The Dalí Jewels Exhibition Room was added to the museum in 2001 to showcase more of Dalí’s multimedia work. The room contains 39 intricate pieces that Dalí created for the French jeweler Francois Hugo. Guests enter the room up an eerie staircase into a dark labyrinth purposefully designed to highlight Dalí’s jewels.
A lot of craft and dedication went into the jewelry design, including a few gorgeous pieces like a pair of ruby lips and a lobster-shaped brooch. If you look closely, you’ll notice that some of the jewels move!
The Mae West Room
The Mae West room is one of the museum’s standouts. Designed by Salvador Dalí and Oscar Tusquets, it contains a 3-D design of the famous Hollywood movie star Mae West. Mae West was a powerful figure in the golden age of Hollywood and was known for her sex appeal. She was highly regarded in her day and age, and Dalí was obviously a huge fan.
The Mae West Room uses furniture to create an outline of the movie star’s face. After walking up a set of stairs, guests will first see the outline of a very large blonde wig made out of curtains. Then, you’ll notice a set of eyes in two frames and a lip-shaped sofa to complete the star’s famous features.
The Palace of the Wind painting
The Palace of the Wind is one of the many pieces featuring Dalí’s wife, Gala. Despite their complicated relationship, Dalí loved his wife, and she certainly helped him achieve his level of influence and fame.
The painting is a magnificent sight to behold and is based on the poem by Joan Margall, “L’Empordà,” which is also a region in Catalonia. Within the painting, you’ll see a forced perspective of Dalí and his wife reaching upwards towards the heavens.
In this large piece of art you’ll see different stages of the artist’s life represented. Dalí painted open, empty drawers within his body and elephants with insect-like legs. There’s also a tapestry in the room featuring pocket watches melting, representing how time is a construct and that one should enjoy the present.
How to get to the Dalí Theatre-Museum
The Dalí Theatre-Museum is about an hour’s train ride away or 90 minutes by car from Barcelona. Its exact location is Dalí Theatre and Museum, Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres, Girona, Spain.
To get to the Dalí Theatre-Museum by train, you’ll grab a train from Barcelona-Sants to Figueres Vilafant. The trains run about every four hours and the cheapest ticket costs €13. It’s less than 20 minutes to walk from the Figueres Vilafant station to the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
Important information about the Dalí Theatre-Museum
What are the Dalí Museum’s hours?
The Dalí Theatre Museum’s hours may change depending on the season. It’s important to check the website’s calendar before you go to ensure the museum is open. From January until the end of June, the museum is open every day except Mondays, from 10:30 am to 5:15 pm. In July and August, the museum is open every day from 9:00 am to 7:15 pm.
How long do I need to visit?
It depends on how much you like surrealism! Generally, guests only need about two hours to explore the museum fully and appreciate Dalí’s genius.
What clothing should I wear?
Since the museum is spread out over several floors, there are quite a few stairs. Museum-goers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and be prepared to do lots of walking. During peak season in July and August, the museum gets quite crowded, and you may wait in some lines.
Entry ticket for Dalí Theater-Museum
This fast-track entry ticket for the Dalí Theatre-Museum allows you to skip the long queues out front and wander through Dalí’s enchanting lifework. You’ll get to witness some of Dalí’s most recognizable pieces, including the “Rainy Taxi” and the “Persistence of Memory,” featuring Dalí’s iconic melting clocks.
Guests will get to learn more about why the artist fought against artistic institutions and his lifelong feud with Pablo Picasso. Grab your ticket to fully experience this masterpiece and incredible tribute to the father of Surrealism.
The Dalí Triangle Pass
This special ticket grants you entry to all three iconic stops along the Dalínian Triangle: the Gala Dalí Castle, the Dalí Theatre-Museum, and the Salvador Dalí House-Museum. Each location in the beautiful Costa Brava region of Spain was integral to Dalí’s artistic life, either where he lived or created art.
See the 11th-century castle that was a gift from Dalí to his wife, the artist’s former home and studio, and the museum that’s the epitome of Dalí’s life work. You can choose whichever dates work best for you to visit each location, so you don’t have to fit all three into one day. Dalí fans will love this pass!
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