The Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres, Spain reveals as much about the artist through the museum itself as it does with the art it contains. Salvador Dalí said that he wanted his museum to be a “labyrinth,” and after 5 minutes inside its obvious he fulfilled his dream. The museum contains the largest collection of Dalí’s works in the world, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry mechanical devices, and furniture. The museum also includes a section of art by other artists, including El Greco and Marcel Duchamp. The museum is densely packed with art, including whole room art installations and rows upon rows of seemingly never-ending paintings.
The location of the museum was chosen for its personal significance to Salvador Dalí. The original town theatre was home to one of Dalí ‘s first public art exhibitions. After it burned down during the Spanish Civil War, Dalí worked with the town mayor to have it rebuilt as a museum. Originally opened in 1974, the core of the museum’s original works were donated from Dalí’s own collection. After his death in 1989, Salvador Dalí was buried in a crypt under below the stage floor, making himself an immortal part of the museum.
We’d recommend ditching the map when visiting the Dalí Theatre and Museum. For starters, it won’t prevent you from getting lost or having to backtrack. Getting lost is inevitable here, and that’s exactly the charm. A visit here is much less about checking off a list of great works than it is about embracing the artist’s eccentric vision.