The Building
The original Dalí Museum opened in St. Petersburg in 1982, after community leaders rallied to bring the Morses’ superlative collection of Dalí works to the area. The Dalí’s stunning new building opened on January 11, 2011. Designed by architect Yann Weymouth of HOK, it combines the rational with the fantastical: a simple rectangle with 18-inch thick hurricane-proof walls out of which erupts a large free-form geodesic glass bubble known as the “enigma”. The Enigma, which is made up of 1,062 triangular pieces of glass, stands 75 feet at its tallest point, a twenty-first century homage to the dome that adorns Dalí’s museum in Spain. Inside, the Museum houses another unique architectural feature – a helical staircase – recalling Dalí’s obsession with spirals and the double helical shape of the DNA molecule.
Avant-garden
On the waterfront of Tampa Bay, The Dalí’s garden creates a unique environment of learning and tranquility. The Mathematical Garden allows students to experience the relationship between math and nature and invites exploration and well-being.
First Floor
Visitors enter through The Dalí Museum Store, featuring the largest collection of Dalí-inspired merchandise in the world. Café Gala offers Spanish-themed light fare with both indoor and outdoor seating. The Theater regularly shows a short film about Dalí, occasionally other films, and serves as the setting for special concerts and lectures. Families can participate in self-guided activities in the Stavros Education Classroom. The Raymond James Community Room is a space for special community-oriented exhibitions such as our renowned Student Surrealist Exhibitions as well as Museum programs and private events.
Second Floor
The Dalí Museum center for the avant-garde is a unique resource for scholars, art professionals, collectors and students studying Salvador Dalí, Surrealism and the Avant-garde. The administrative offices of the Museum are also located on this floor.
Third Floor
All of the galleries are located on the third floor. In between the two main wings of the Museum sets on overlook with a breathtaking view of the gardens and waterfront through the Enigma. The James Family Wing holds the permanent collection of Dalí’s works. The Hough Family Wing shares special exhibitions.