St. Petersburg’s Dalí Museum Announces New Summer Exhibit: “Marvels of Illusion”

May 5, 2014

[Media Contact: Cindy Cockburn, CC Communications, 727.432.5862]

INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION PROJECTS VISITORS’ FACES INTO DALÍ’S FAMOUS PAINTING
Opens Saturday, June 14, 2014 and runs through Sunday, October 12, 2014

St. Petersburg, FL (May 5, 2014) – The Dalí Museum debuts a sensational optical and intellectual experience delving into the world of double images and illusions. “Marvels of Illusion” will open to the public Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 10am. Curated by Joan Kropf, the exhibit showcases a variety of Dalí paintings, prints and sculpture; a special work from the 16th Century from the School of Arcimboldo, on loan from the Ringling Museum; and rich explanatory material.

A centerpiece of the Marvels of Illusion exhibit is an interactive installation titled “Gala Contemplating You” which places visitors inside one of Dali’s most famous paintings. The installation is inspired by Dali’s 1976 painting “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln (Homage to Rothko),” which proved that 121 pixels could identify a particular human face. A corresponding web application allows virtual visitors from around the globe to submit their photos and become part of the experience as well.

For portions of this exhibition, The Dalí Museum has teamed up with the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa that will also be introducing a complementary exhibit this summer. The two museums will have reciprocal displays and will offer special discounts to those who visit both museums. “Art and science are considered two different disciplines, but Dalí merged the two in fascinating ways. We’re doing the same by inviting guests to an art museum to experience science, and to a science museum to experience art.” said Dr. Hank Hine, Executive Director of The Dalí.

The exhibit promises to entertain and fascinate people of all ages – visitors will not only come to the Museum, they will become part of it. Special pricing for children we be offered. The Dalí will present a variety of educational and interactive events and activities related to this exhibit throughout the summer both at The Dalí Museum and at MOSI.

About The Dalí Museum
The Dalí Museum, located in the heart of beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, is home to an unparalleled collection of Salvador Dalí art, featuring more than 2,000 works by the renowned and influential 20th century Spanish artist.

The building is itself a work of art, featuring 1,062 triangular-shaped glass panels – the only structure of its kind in North America. Nicknamed the Enigma, it provides an unprecedented view of St. Petersburg’s picturesque waterfront. The Museum has attracted world-wide attention, and among other distinguished awards it has received, it was listed on AOL Travel News as “one of the top buildings to see in your lifetime.”

The Dalí Museum is located at One Dalí Boulevard, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. For additional information call 727-823-3767 or visit TheDali.org.

Imagery
Permission to reproduce these images is granted solely for use in conjunction with media reportage and review of “Marvels of Illusion.” All reproductions must be accompanied by the caption noted below. Permission to reproduce these images is contingent upon the press’ acknowledgement and acceptance of these terms.

Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln (Homage to Rothko), 1976 
Salvador Dalí
Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln
© Salvador Dalí. Fundacion Gala-Salvador Dalí, (Artist Rights Society), 2014 / Collection of the Salvador Dalí Museum, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL, 2014.
Illustration for Tres Picos, 1955
Salvador Dalí
Illustration for Tres Picos, 1955
© Salvador Dalí. Fundacion Gala-Salvador Dalí, (Artist Rights Society), 2014 / Collection of the Salvador Dalí Museum, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL, 2014.