Mystical, provocative and thoroughly captivating, the Dalí Museum in Figueres, Spain will leave you with the feeling of wonder and curiosity as if you had just been shaken awake from an entrancing theatrical dream.
The Dalí Museum wouldn’t be what it is without the architecture that adds dimension and natural light into this awe-inspiring place.
Known as “the largest surrealistic object in the world”, the architecture and art within the Salvador Dalí museum is truly an alluring display that you have to experience for yourself.
Embracing the History of the Famous Dalí Museum
It all started when Ramon Guardiola, mayor of Figueres in the 1960s, asked Dalí to donate a work for the Museu de l’Empordà. Of course, the eccentric Dalí didn’t feel that one piece would be sufficient to showcase his genius to his hometown. Therefore, Dalí daringly replied that he would not donate just a single work but rather an entire museum.
Dalí thought that there was no better place than the Municipal Theatre to exhibit his most unique works and create his unsuspected and hallucinatory world of surrealism.
It struck him as a particularly appropriate location for three reasons, the first of which being that he considered himself an “eminently theatrical painter.” Addtionally , the location of the Theatre was meaningful because it stands right in front of the church where he was baptized, Iglesia de San Pedro.
Additionally, it was a very fitting location because Dalí proudly hosted his very first exhibition in the hall of the vestibule of this theatre.
Although the building was destroyed in a fire at the end of the Spanish Civil War, enough remained intact for an imaginative Dalí to take advantage of a building’s charm that held a special place in his heart.
In efforts to preserve his legacy and promote surrealistic art, Dalí devoted all of his attention from the 1970’s on to not only creating the art for this museum but, just as importantly, to working closely with architects like Joaquim de Ros i Ramis and Alexandre Bonaterra to be sure his unorthodox visions for the design of the building were carried out flawlessly. Dalí even lived at the museum during its construction to ensure his wishes came to full fruition.
“I want my museum to be like a single block, a labyrinth, a surrealist object. It will be totally theatrical.”
- Salvador Dalí
His vison became a reality. Inaugurated in 1974, the theatrical atmosphere of this museum was indeed carried out how Dalí intended.
From the design of this building, to the floorplan, to the art that thoughtfully decorates the walls, everything was conceived and designed by Dalí himself. This gives visitors an insightful dive into the depths of this great artist’s mind and the manner in which he interpreted reality into something else entirely.
Discovering the Bread of the Building
Walking up to this whimsical palace, your eyes will be immediately entertained with the pink, reddish hue that radiates from beneath the detailed gold “goosebumps” that stud this distinctive structure.
However, the only true goosebumps here are the ones that begin to form on your arms as you further analyze the details of the impressive exterior. Taking a closer look, you will realize that alleged artistic “goosebumps” actually represent loaves a bread, one of the numerous symbols Dalí used to explore his personal fears and fantasies.
Even the museum’s entrance is looked after by medieval suits of armor with baguettes balancing atop their heads.
Not only is bread a beloved food of Dalí and a staple in the Catalonian diet, but it is also a universal symbol of nourishment and the necessity of food to sustain life. It also doubles as a religious symbol representing the body of Christ. Dalí used this symbol in other areas of the exterior as well as in many of the artworks inside.
Viewed as the “staff of life,” he used images of this cherished food as a personal emblem, representing art as an object of mass consumption, one to be devoured and appreciated by spectators.
Cracking open the Symbolism of the Eggs
One of the first things you may take note of when approaching this dreamlike building is the series of teardrop-shaped eggs lining its summit.
The egg is another key symbol that is prevalent throughout the exterior architecture and interior works of this museum. The egg makes you consider the origin of life, and Dalí uses this concept frequently to express his obsession with the idea of life and death, mortality and immortality.
Additionally, given the duality of an egg’s hard exterior and soft interior, this motif correlates with the psychological notion that individuals form defenses around the vulnerable psyche that is malleable and creative.
Even when considered on pure aesthetic properties, the eggs make an impact. According to one museum visitor from Florence, Italy, Leonardo Casella, the eggs are simply pleasing. “I like the way that the bright gold statues complement the off-white eggs,” Casella said. “I feel like it gives a sense of importance and elegance to the building.”
Deconstructing the Brilliance of the Dome
Another notably impressive element of the eccentric architecture of this building is seen at the highest point, where the glass fractures and opens up like a hundred individual diamonds, forming a geodesic dome.
You’ll also certainly want to view it from the inside. Follow the welcoming gestures of the glowing golden statues to make your way from the exquisite courtyard into the third room, the Cupola.
The glacier-like glass above shields you from the sun’s heat but allows the warming natural light to softly reflect in, highlighting and adding depth to the masterpieces underneath.
Not only is the dome visually stunning from the outside in, but Dalí also formulated this design with a deeper meaning in mind – one that many viewers may leave without even realizing.
This mammoth dome that peers into the museum’s interior correlates to another one of Dalí’s prevalent symbols. It is intended to represent the eye of a fly.
Carla Maynau, part of the museum’s staff for the past four years, clarified the reason for this symbolism, stating that Dalí “thinks that the fly can see a lot of realities, not like us.”
The friendly staff member went on to explain that “he wanted the fly’s eye to be peering into his unique works and watching over the visitors, viewing everything under a different perspective, just as he strived to do.”
Admiring the Architecture, Then the Art
Although most visitors arrive with the overflowing anticipation to see the art inside the Dalí museum, the deliberate design of the building is not one to be glossed over. Similarly, to the bread and eggs that Dalí was so fascinated with, it’s best to admire the museums outer covering before devouring the art on the inside.
So take the time appreciate the artistry of the structure first, then take a renewed, fresh look at the masterpieces within- as both of these elements were created with an equal and complementary level of care that won’t fail to leave you awe-struck.
- Bailey Daigle
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