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New Dalí Museum stretches the limits of the imagination

In today’s world of pop surrealism, of which I’m a big fan, nobody holds a candle to the master: Salvador Dalí. Those of us stuck in central and South Florida are lucky enough to have access to perhaps the greatest collection of Dalí artwork outside of Spain.

The glass structure that envelopes the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is visible from the 'Avant-Garden,' where visitors can relax on a one-of-a-kind bench
The glass structure that envelopes the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is visible from the 'Avant-Garden,' where visitors can relax on a one-of-a-kind bench. (Photo by Susan Hayward, May 2011)

The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is a must-see for anyone interested in the legendary surrealist, but it offers much more. It’s been named the top museum in the South by the Michelin Guide and called “one of the top buildings you have to see before you die.” This $36 million state-of-the-art facility is sure to please all lovers of modern art and is a surreal experience in its own right. Make sure you allow yourself at least half a day as there’s lots to see.

The new facility on the waterfront in St. Petersburg Beach just opened in January, and we paid a visit in May. It replaces an older building that housed the Dalí collection in St. Petersburg for nearly 30 years but was limited in size to fully showcase the great master’s work. Even if you’ve been to the old museum, you need to return to check out this modern marvel, which features 20,000-square-feet of gallery space and a design that truly has to be seen to be appreciated.

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