100 Years of Surrealism Conference

In celebration of the centennial of Surrealism, marked by the publication of André Breton’s First Surrealist Manifesto in 1924, this conference will bring together leading scholars to examine the movement’s enduring legacy and its diverse contributors.

Penned by Breton, the French writer and poet who spearheaded the movement in the wake of World War I, the Manifesto defined Surrealism as a method for unveiling the “actual functioning of thought.” Championing unfiltered self-expression, free from the constraints of convention and rationality, Breton drew visual artists into the fold, transforming art by rejecting traditional forms and thought processes. Salvador Dalí’s arrival in 1929 expanded Surrealism’s scope and impact, leaving an indelible mark on the movement’s evolution.

In 2004, The Dalí Museum hosted a landmark conference in St. Petersburg, FL, commemorating the centenary of Salvador Dalí’s birth. The event produced groundbreaking scholarship that has since shaped the field of Surrealism studies. Twenty years later, many of those same distinguished experts—leaders in their respective fields—will reunite to honor 100 years of Surrealism, delving into underexplored aspects of this revolutionary movement and fostering a new generation of research.

When: December 13-14, 2024

Where: The Dalí Museum

This event is free, with limited capacity. Tickets are required for entry and provide access for a single day, including all panels. Gallery access is not included.

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program schedule

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Surrealist Group (Paul Éluard, Hans Arp, Yves Tanguy, René Crevel, Tristan Tzara, André Breton, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Man Ray), 1931
Photo by Man Ray.