Become a Dalí Museum Docent
The Docent Program at The Dalí Museum is at the heart of our educational mission. Docents bring Salvador Dalí’s life, art and ideas to visitors from around the world through engaging, conversation-based tours. Currently, more than 100 docents lead tours at The Dalí Museum.
2026 Dalí Museum Docent Class
Our new 2026 Docent Class begins Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Thanks to a Bloomberg Digital Accelerator grant, this will be our first hybrid Docent Class, combining:
- Weekly virtual asynchronous coursework – self-paced
- Weekly daytime Zoom sessions (recorded) – set times
- In-person two-hour gallery sessions held every third week at the Museum – set times
Time Commitment
- Approximate 3-4 hours per week
- Students may progress at own pace, and most missed sessions can be made up
Course Structure
- Part One (12 weeks): Focus on ~30 core paintings, building a solid foundation in Dalí’s life, themes and techniques.
- Part Two (8 weeks): Focused on specialized tour themes such as Dalí’s Spanish Identity, Dalí & Science and Dalí & Catholicism.
Throughout the course, trainees complete readings, quizzes, journals, Zoom discussions, and take part in gallery activities. The program concludes with a mini-tour examination.
Requirements & Expectations
- Dalí Museum Membership: Once accepted, participants are required to become Dalí Museum Members (all levels qualify)
- Textbook: Requires purchase of 1 textbook
- Touring: Docent candidates must lead six public tours to successfully complete the program
Following initial coursework, docents are required to participate at least six times in the following activities: new exhibitions walk-throughs, refresher Zoom classes and the annual docent retreat. Docents are responsible for developing their own tours and are encouraged to customize tours for specific audiences and special interest groups.
Who Should Apply?
The Dalí encourages people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures to apply. We welcome visitors from more than 30 nations, and multilingual applicants (in languages other than English) are especially encouraged to get involved.
Eligibility/Background Expectations
The class is limited to 30 students. All backgrounds are welcome.
- As the course is primarily virtual, computer access and familiarity is required
- Public speaking experience is not necessary but strongly encouraged
- Prior art knowledge is not necessary but also encouraged
Junior & Teen Docent Opportunities
- Junior Docents: As part of the Junior Docent Art Camp, elementary and middle school students participate in a mini-docent course that helps them share general information about Dalí and his paintings. The program introduces students to artistic processes, builds self-esteem and public-speaking skills, and welcomes families into the Museum.
- Teen Docents: Check back soon for updated information about our Teen Docent opportunities.
How to Apply
- Download Application (pdf)
- Submit your completed application by one of the following:
- E-mail your application to: Curators@TheDali.org
- Mail your application to: The Dalí Museum 1 Dalí Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 ATTN: Docent Class
Deadline to apply is Jan 10, 2026. Applicants will be notified one-week after receiving application.
A course calendar will be provided mid-Dec 2025.
Registration for the LearnWorlds Learning Management System will be available in Jan 2026.