Main author
Michael BrooksDali Theatre and Museum
The Dali Theatre and Museum in Figueras, Spain is dedicated to the surrealist artist Salvador Dali, and has been described as being 'the largest surrealistic object in the world'.
It was conceived by Dali and the Mayor of Figueres, and designed by architects Joaquim de Ros i Ramis and Alexandre Bonaterra.
It was built on the site of the Municipal Theatre of Figueres which was constructed in 1850 but destroyed by fire at the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939, leaving only the peripheral structure standing. The artist worked on the design of the building for over a decade until its completion in 1974, saying “I want my museum to be like a single block, a labyrinth, a surrealist object… People who come to see it will leave with the sensation of having had a theatrical dream.”
The complex includes Torre Galatea, a stone tower, and a glass geodesic dome which crowns the main building and has come to be seen as a symbol of the town of Figueres. It incorporates Moorish architectural details, sculptures and figurines. The external walls are decorated with representations of bread rolls, and giant egg sculptures are lined along the roof parapet.
Dali himself is buried in an unmarked crypt in the museum's main exhibition hall.
The museum receives approximately 6,000 visitors a day, making it one of the most popular in Spain.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki:
- Ark Encounter, Kentucky.
- Building of the week series.
- Calakmul Corporate Building, Mexico.
- Centre Pompidou.
- Centro Eventi Multifunzionale, Italy.
- Dancing House, Prague.
- Geodesic dome.
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.
- Kunsthaus Graz.
- Little Crooked House, Poland.
- Lotus Temple.
- Luxor Las Vegas.
- MAAT, Lisbon.
- Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum.
- Rose Museum.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
- Switch House, Tate Modern.
- The Big Basket.
- The Gherkin.
- Titanic Belfast.
- Unusual building design of the week.
- Watts Towers.
[edit] External references
- Salvador Dali - Official site
Featured articles and news
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.