Florida Travel: 8 Tips for Visiting the New Dali Museum in Downtown St. Petersburg

Ninety-six oil paintings and more than 2,000 other pieces of art by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali have a new $36 million home in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. The new Dali Museum held its grand opening on 01/11/11 and the new building is twice the size of the original museum which is located eight blocks away. Following are eight practical tips for planning your visit to the new Dali Museum.

Tip #1: Save on Admission by Seeking Coupons, Visiting AAA
Currently, adult admission into the Dali Museum is $21. Visitors can save a dollar or two by finding discount coupons in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area visitor publications. These are easily found in hotels, restaurants and other tourist areas. Also, check the "Visit" section of the Dali Museum website (www.thedali.org) to see if coupons are currently available.

AAA Members can stop by a AAA Auto Club South office to purchase discount Dali Museum tickets before visiting. Or, AAA Auto Club South members can order discount tickets through AAA's website (www.aaa.com).

Tip #2: Save on Admission by Visiting on a Thursday Night
The Dali Museum is open daily until 5:30 p.m. with one exception, Thursdays. On Thursdays, the museum is open until 8 p.m. and after 5 p.m., admission is $10.

Tip #3: Begin Your Visit by Watching the Dali Enigma Film
Before climbing the narrow yet incredible spiral staircase or taking the elevator to the galleries, begin the museum visit by watching a 6-minute film called Dali Enigma. Aired every 15 minutes, the brief film provides an overview of Salvador Dali and the museum.

Tip #4: Plan to Tour the Dali Museum with a Docent
Salvador Dali's artwork is intriguing, mysterious and some pieces can be considered downright creepy. Docents are extremely knowledgeable about Salvador Dali's life, his art and the Dali Museum. Touring with a docent will open your eyes and mind to the artist's work and sometimes, will explain the not so obvious meaning behind some of his artwork. Tours are included with admission and are offered hourly on the half-hour.

Tip #5: Ask for the Dali Museum's Free Audio Tour
If tight on time and cannot join a docent tour, ask the ticket counter clerk for the free museum audio tour. Audio tours are available for adults and children and allow you to tour the permanent collection at your own pace. A printed pocket guide is available for purchase.

Tip #6: Stand in Awe of the Glass Enigma
The building's signature architectural piece is the Glass Enigma. It's made from more than 900 panels of glass framed in steel. Inside the museum, look up to see how the Glass Enigma looks like an eye.

Tip #7: Appreciate the Avant-Garden
A grotto with native Florida plants welcomes visitors at the entrance and bridge over a pond leads to the museum doors. Nearby is the hedge labyrinth which twists and turns toward the center, a Cypress tree.

Tip #8: Take Time to Enjoy
Take time to enjoy Salvador Dali's artwork and the new museum. After all, outside of Spain, this is the largest and most comprehensive collection of the surrealist's work. Admire the piece called "Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln" up close and from afar. Take a break in the Contemplation Area, a small alcove just off the Collection Galleries with a small seating area. Or, enjoy a taste of Spanish flavor in Gala Café. Gala was Dali's wife and muse. The café offers light bites as tapas, soups and sandwiches. And, don't forget to visit the Dali Museum Store for souvenirs ranging from classic to eclectic.

AOL Travel named the new Dali Museum one of the "Buildings You Have to See Before You Die". Save money and enhance your Dali Museum visit with a little planning.

Dali Museum
One Dali Blvd.
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Tel: 727-823-3767
www.thedali.org

The Dali museum opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon on Sunday. It closes at 5:30 p.m. daily except Thursday when it is open until 8 p.m. Adult admission is $21 and discounts for children, students, seniors, firefighters, military and police are given. Children 5-years-old and younger are free.

Sources:
Personal Visit, January 2011
Dali Museum, www.thedali.org
Suzanne Wales, "Buildings You Have to See Before You Die," AOL Travel