Advantages: Unusual museum,full of surprises Disadvantages: Possible crowds in season
One of the pleasures of independent travel is that sometimes you chance on something wonderful and unexpected. I?d been exploring the southern Pyrenees on the Spanish side, and decided to re-enter France near Portbou, but first I thought I?d have a look at a couple of towns I didn?t know. I was wandering around Figueres looking for somewhere to eat when suddenly I came across it. The Dalí Museum.
I recognised it from photographs, but nothing prepares you for the reality. From the outside the architecture is a bit prisonlike, but no prison ever had varnished loaves stuck all over it. I believe they are real bread. Along the edge of the roof at the front are giant eggs, and statues which look rather like the Oscar. I had a quick coffee and sandwich at a nearby restaurant, and then went in. This was in the autumn, and there were quite ...
Everyone has seen Dali's quirky but incredible skillful paintings. The Dali Universe shows an awful lot more.
The entrance is littered with his quotes. Many suggest strongly that he is not in the slightest bit insane but simply portraying a calculated image to set him apart from other artists. Dali certainly succeeded with that.
Supposedly, approximately one hour is the average time it takes to stroll around this fascinating collection. How anyone can devote only one hour is beyond me. I could spend this gazing at the many statues present by themselves while ignoring completely all of the watercolours and collages. These would take at least another hour or two. Be prepared for an entralling afternoon Be warned that it will also be tiring as there were only three chairs on route.
Unfortunately, there is such a poor excuse ...
