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

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

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.

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