Cat Byers surveys the newly re-opened Espace Dali in Paris.
Following a four month refurbishment, the Espace Dali in Montmartre recently re-opened with a clean, contemporary new look and plenty of intriguing surrealist artworks.
Arguably one of the most famous surrealist artists of all time, there are few people who haven’t seen a version of one of Salvador Dali’s melting clocks, or his tall, spindly elephant creatures walking across a dreamscape. But there’s much more to this artist than dripping pocket watches— with a prolific career spanning seventy years of the twentieth century, Dali’s art expanded into film, photography, sculpture and more, and his vast collection of works can now be seen in numerous dedicated museums across the world.
Originally established by Italian art curator and collector Beniamino Levi from his private collection in the 1970s, the Espace Dali in Montmartre is the only permanent Dali collection in France, and re-opened in April 2018 after an extensive refurbishment project to modernise the space. Having visited the enormous Dali-Theatre Museum in Figueres I was curious to see what there was left to see at this small, unassuming Paris collection, so on a rainy Thursday in April, we clambered up the hill to see what all the fuss was about on opening night. After picking up a glass of champagne (this is Paris, after all), we descended the stairs into a large, high-ceilinged room, cleverly divided with partition walls.
There’s a clear sense of route here, taking you through various different sections dedicated to themes such as his enduring interest in concepts such as time, the unconscious and love, and his relationship with wife and muse Gala. There are around 300 pieces on permanent display, from sculptures and sketches to paintings and a version of the infamous Mae West Lips sofa, as well as a helpful timeline plots key moments in his life and work. The collection feels very well curated, with a range of pieces showcasing his incredible range, as well as numerous sketches and drawings whose style differed greatly from those I’d come to expect from Dali. If you’re passing through Paris and are fatigued by the crowds at the Louvre, or plan to spend a day exploring the winding streets of Montmartre, make sure to add this underrated little museum to your list.
The Espace Dali can be found at 11 Rue Poulbot, Paris 75018, and is open every day from 10am – 6.30pm, with late opening hours in July and August. Find out more at daliparis.com.
