Form 2 art students enjoyed a visit to Figueres, Salvador Dali’s hometown, for a guided tour of the Dalí Theatre-Museum, as part of their introduction to Surrealism. The museum, designed by Dalí himself, on the site of the former town theatre, is considered the world’s largest surrealist object and reflects the artist’s imaginative and theatrical approach.

“I want my museum to be a single block, a labyrinth, a great surrealist object. It will be [a] totally theatrical museum. The people who come to see it will leave with the sensation of having had a theatrical dream.” Salvador Dalí, from The Dalí Theatre-Museum

During the visit, students explored a wide range of Dalí’s paintings, sculptures and installations, developing a deeper understanding of his fascination with dreams, symbolism and the subconscious. Experiencing the artworks within such an unconventional setting helped students see how Dalí challenged traditional ideas of art.

A highlight of the visit was seeing La Madonna de Portlligat (1951), on temporary loan from the Fukuoka Art Museum in Japan, offering students a rare opportunity to view one of Dalí’s most significant works, where Dali fuses art, science and spirituality, with Gala, his wife, at the centre. 

Seeing Dali’s artwork come alive through a guided tour, provided an enriching, cultural experience beyond the classroom.