Dalí Museum in Figueres (Spain): The largest surrealist building in the world that will take your breath away

Catalonia, and indeed the whole of Spain, has always had a lot of brilliant artists. One of them is Salvador Dalí, whose works are much better known in the world than in his homeland. In this article we will look at the Theater Museum of Salvador Dalí (Dalí Theatre-Museum) in the town of Figueres in the north of Spain. That's after the museum Prado in Madrid the second most visited museum in Spain. 

The Dalí Museum building in Figueres looks similarly dreamlike buildings by Gaudí

If you are going to Barcelona for several days and at the same time you like modern art, this museum is definitely not to be missed for me!

The town of Figueres, where the Dalí Museum is located, is an ideal destination for a day trip from Barcelona and its visit is definitely worth it.

On the following lines, you will learn not only what you will see in the museum, but also why it has the word theater in its name. Of course, we will also advise you on how to get to the museum and when you can save on the entrance fee.

Who was Salvador Dalí?

Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) was an iconic Spanish artist who stunned the world with his surrealist creations. Dali's works are characterized by dreamlike landscapes, and his most recognizable piece is the painting "Persistence of Memory" with a melting clock. Dalí's art delved into the subconscious and blended reality and imagination.

Dali's life was as interesting as his art. He became a prominent figure in the surrealist movement and embraced his eccentric personality with full commitment. Over the years, Dalí developed into a surrealist visionary working with a variety of media from paintings to film to fashion. It is because of this that the timeless legacy of his work has a great influence on contemporary modern art as well.

How the theater became a Dalí museum

What was once a municipal theater in Figueres is now one of the main artistic prides Catalonia. 

The original theater building suffered a fire during the Spanish Civil War at the end of the 30s, and Dalí, when he returned to his birthplace as a well-known artist and painter after traveling the world, decided to breathe new life into the ruin in 20. At the same time, he wanted to preserve as much of the original purpose of the building as possible.

The main entrance to the Dalí Museum in Figueres

Dalí's goal was to provide visitors with a unique experience that would literally resemble a theatrical dream. That is why the building is now called the Theater Museum of Salvador Dalí or Teatro-Museo Dalí. It was opened in 1974 and since then it continues to amaze thousands of visitors every year.

You can also visit the Dalí Museum in Catalunya en Miniatura miniature park, which you can find just 17 km from Barcelona in the municipality of Torrelles de Llobregat. Here you will find perfect models of the most important Spanish buildings, including the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral Sagrada Família.

Walk through the entire creation of the unique Salvador Dalí

It is no surprise that in this museum you will find the widest collection of Dalí's works in the world. You will see exhibits from throughout his artistic career, including a special jewelry collection. Some exhibitions were created directly for this museum. These include, for example, a courtyard with sculptures, one of which is placed directly on the hood of a Cadillac.

Rainy Taxi – rain cadillac with sculptures on the hood

In the museum you will also find a number of paintings including of Dalí's last work, an oil painting called Swallow's Tail or Cola de golondrina. One whole room is dedicated only to optical illusions and anamorphic art from the hands of Dalí.

Salvador Dali - Gala Placidia

It belongs to the most famous works that you will see here Leda Atomica, Galatea de las Esferas or a unique oil painting depicting Dalí himself painting an image of a woman in front of a mirror. This image using stereoscopic geometric techniques is called – and hold on, it's really long :D – Dalí de espaldas pintando a Gala vista de espaldas eternizada por seis corneas virtuales provisionalmente reflecadas en seis espejos verdaderos.

Salvador Dalí - The Mae West Room

How much does it cost to visit the Dalí Museum?

It is worth planning a visit to the Dalí Museum outside the main summer holiday season. In these months, the entrance fee is a few euros more expensive. Here too, of course, discounted prices are available for students and seniors over 65 years of age. Everything needs to be documented during the visit. You will also save if you buy tickets in advance online. If you do so, each ticket will cost you a few euros cheaper.

Where is the museum located and how to get there?

Since the town of Figueres is located almost at the border with France, I recommend setting aside a whole day for the trip. 

Trip from Barcelona: For tourists, the easiest way to visit the Dalí Museum in Figueres is through a trip organized by Catalunya Bus Turistic. They run buses from the center of Barcelona to Figueres several times a week in the morning. The trip costs about 70 euros and includes:

• transportation from Barcelona Estació del Nord station to Figueres and back
• English/Spanish/Catalan speaking guide
• stop in the city of Girona with a guided tour (see my Girona guide)
• express entry without waiting to the Dalí Museum and the Dalí Jewels exhibition in Figueres

For children under 4 years of age, the entire trip is free.

More information about a trip to the Salvador Dalí Museum >>>

By train or bus from Barcelona to Figueres: However, you can also get to Figueres from Barcelona by bus or train. I prefer the train because it's more convenient: get there by public transport na Barcelona Sants Station (or the Passeig de Gracia or El Clot-Aragó stations), get on one of the local trains here (designation MD / Regional) and you can get to Figueres in about 2 hours (search for tickets). The train station in Figueres (map) is about a 10 minute walk from the Dalí Museum and you should see signs to guide you along the way. 

The second transport option from Barcelona Sants is the high-speed train (marked AVANT / AVE). It will take you to Figueres from Barcelona in just 55 minutes (search for tickets). But its disadvantage is that the nearest station is Figueres-Vilafant (map) and it is about a 20-minute walk from the Dali Museum (or you can take bus number 2 from the station). I recommend not leaving the purchase of a train ticket to the last minute, but buying it online through one of the train search engines. 

If you use public transport to visit the Dalí Museum, you will find Museu Joies and Museu Dalí bus stops nearby.

Of course, you can also take the Barcelona - Figueres route by bus (Sagales, line 602, departure from Estácio del Nord). But I don't recommend it, because the journey takes almost 3 hours. 

Traveling by car from Barcelona to Figueres: If you go to the Dalí Museum by car from Barcelona, ​​just keep on the AP7 highway until the exit signposted for Figueres. You will find the monument in the very center of the city on the Plaça Gala-Salvador Dalí square. If you want to avoid the highway, use the main road Nacional II.

Hotels near the Dalí Museum - where to stay when traveling to Figueres?

Figueres is just as needed Girona nice city where you can take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the Barcelona metropolis. The city is quieter and you will find a lot of nice cafes and restaurants as well as a small but nice Old Town. Which hotel (and therefore other accommodation) should I choose in Figueres so that it is not far from the Dalí Museum? 

• Hotel Los Angeles – this family-run two-star hotel is literally around the corner from the Dalí Museum. It is a simple and tastefully furnished hotel, each room has air conditioning, wifi and there is a good restaurant on the ground floor with tapas and drinks. 
• Plaza Inn Hotel – the second hotel near the Dalí Museum is the Plaza Inn. The three-star and well-furnished hotel offers everything you might need during a day or two in the city. An interesting fact is that the hotel was created with the help of several dozen local artists, and each room is thus unique in its own way. The hotel has a nice roof terrace from which you can see the Dalí Museum itself. 
• Hotel Duran – my last tip for accommodation near the Dalí Museum is the four-star Hotel Duran. This is a modern and stylish hotel about 100 meters from the museum.

Since Figueres is a relatively small town (it has about 40 inhabitants), you will be pleasantly surprised by the accommodation prices: for two people including breakfast in the above-mentioned hotels, it will cost up to €000, which you would, for example, accommodation in Barcelona heat was hard to find.

Name:	Theater Museum of Salvador Dalí, Teatro-Museo Dalí
Address:	Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, Figueres (map)
Transportation:	car, train, bus or as a trip from Barcelona
Opening hours:	January 1 - June 30: 10:30 - 17:10 July 1 - August 31: 9:00 - 19:15 September 1 - December 31: 10:30 - 17:10 Open every day except Mondays and public holidays.
Entrance fee:	Basic entrance fee: €17 (or €21 in high season) Reduced admission (students, seniors over 65): €11 (or €14 in high season) Prices shown are valid for advance online purchase. If purchased on the spot, all tickets are slightly more expensive. A one-day trip to the Dalí Museum for €73,80 >>>
More information:	Official Web

Authors: Lucie Trinerová, Michal Acler