This lovely modern building opened as home to Dali's artwork in March, 1982, and houses the finest collections of his works in the world -- started with the purchase of a single painting by Reynolds and Eleanor Morse in 1943. Well-trained docent guides conduct tours every two hours. We picked up the latter half of a tour upon arrival and found the museum so exciting we were able to attend the next tour to the connecting point upon which we were able again to venture off on our own and finished our 3+ hour visit making knowledgeable purchases at the gift shop which offers a decent array of souvenirs.
The Morses and Dalis developed a close personal relationship with Dali often offering Morse first dibs on newly completed works; hence, the Morses compiled an extensive collection in the 40+ year period. With seemingly vain efforts to keep the collection together and to avoid estate taxes, Morse's offering of the works was published in "The Wall Street Journal". St. Petersburg Attorney James Martin enlisted the support of city leaders and officials to acquire the collection.
Martin and Richard Dodge (Director of Leisure Services) presented the city for consideration to the Morses and finally reached an agreement that the Marine Research Center's warehouse would prove suitable as its location on Tampa Bay is reminiscent of the Cadaques area where Dali's parents had a summer home (and is subject of several early works).
Foundations were established, $2,000,000 appropriated, and building redesign/work started immediately. Today the building and grounds are exquisite and serve the city very well indeed.
For us the current exhibitions of botanical prints: "Fruits and Flowers", "The Essential Dali" and "Dali's Bronzes", along with permanent drawings, prints and paintings were exciting and stimulating. I highly recommend the tours which provide details, insights and humor. In selection of a favorite piece, the responses basically went to the very large, elaborate and classical paintings with which the tour culminated (see below). However, I found some of the smaller classical works were equally as, if not more, impressive. There's currently talk of moving the museum inland from its shore site to protect it from waters and flooding. This collection is so wonderful . . . it's a shame to lose this building but I'm glad the value is recognized and this move is under consideration. Check out the museum's website (www.salvidordalimuseum.org) and see if you don't agree that the collection is awe-inspiring and well presented at St. Petersburg's beautiful Salvador Dali Museum.