Things to Do at The Dalí Museum

Complete Guide to The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg

About The Dalí Museum

The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by renowned Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí. This architectural marvel, designed by Yann Weymouth, opened in 2011 and features a striking glass bubble structure called the 'Enigma' that serves as both a functional skylight and an artistic statement. The museum's distinctive helical staircase and geometric facade make it an iconic landmark along Tampa Bay's waterfront. The museum showcases over 2,400 works spanning Dalí's entire career, from his early impressionist paintings to his final surrealist masterpieces. Visitors can explore the artist's evolution through seven decades of creativity, including oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, sculptures, prints, and photographs. The collection features some of Dalí's most famous works alongside lesser-known pieces, providing an unparalleled insight into the mind of one of the 20th century's most eccentric and brilliant artists.

What to See & Do

The Avant-garden

An outdoor sculpture garden featuring Dalí's bronze sculptures and a labyrinth-like design with native Florida plants, offering a surreal landscape experience

The Helical Staircase

A stunning architectural feature inspired by the double-helix structure of DNA, serving as both functional art and a metaphor for Dalí's scientific interests

Masterworks Gallery

The museum's crown jewel featuring eight large-scale oil paintings including 'The Hallucinogenic Toreador' and 'The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus'

The Enigma Glass Structure

The museum's iconic 75-foot tall glass bubble made of 1,062 triangular glass panels, creating a hurricane-resistant architectural wonder

Dalí's Library and Archives

A research facility containing rare books, manuscripts, and photographs documenting Dalí's life and artistic process, viewable through guided tours

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (until 8:00 PM on Thursdays). Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Tickets & Pricing

Adults $29, Seniors (65+) $27, Students $22, Youth (6-12) $12, Children 5 and under free. Timed entry tickets recommended and available online

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings or late afternoons for smaller crowds. Thursday evenings offer extended hours with special programming

Suggested Duration

2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit, 1.5 hours for highlights tour

Getting There

The Dalí Museum is located at One Dalí Boulevard in downtown St. Petersburg's Arts District. From Tampa International Airport, it's a 30-minute drive via I-275 South. The museum is easily accessible by car with on-site parking available for $10. Public transportation options include the PSTA bus system and the downtown St. Petersburg trolley. The museum is also within walking distance of many downtown hotels and is bike-friendly with bicycle racks available.

Things to Do Nearby

Museum of Fine Arts
Features an impressive collection of art from ancient to contemporary, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Cézanne, just a short walk away
Chihuly Collection
Showcases the brilliant glass artworks of Dale Chihuly in a specially designed building, located in the heart of the Arts District
The Pier District
A waterfront area featuring parks, restaurants, and recreational activities with stunning views of Tampa Bay
Mahaffey Theater
A premier performing arts venue hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and cultural events in downtown St. Petersburg
this destination
A 100-year-old botanical paradise featuring tropical plants, cascading waterfalls, and winding pathways through a natural sinkhole

Tips & Advice

Book timed entry tickets online in advance to guarantee admission and avoid waiting in lines
Download the museum's free mobile app for self-guided tours and detailed information about the artworks
Visit the museum store for unique Dalí-inspired gifts and art books not available elsewhere
Take advantage of the free docent tours offered throughout the day for deeper insights into Dalí's work and techniques

Tours & Activities at The Dalí Museum