Dali Museum Barcelona – Tickets, Tours, and Tips

For centuries Figueres was a sleepy coastal town, until of course the Dali Museum Barcelona (it’s actually 90 minutes away) was born.

The most revolutionary artist of the 20th century changed the town, the city, and eventually the world. 

While there is no Dalì museum in Barcelona proper, it doesn’t stop 3,700 tourists a day from taking a day trip to the museum bearing his namesake: the Dalì Museum Figueres.

Let me show you how to visit the Dali Museum!

The Dalí Theatre and Museum

Imagine attending a theatre as a young boy, later showing your first art exhibition there, converting the theatre into your own museum in 1974, and finally being buried in a crypt under the stage.

That was the force that was Salvador Dalí.

The theatre turned museum that you’ll visit was actually destroyed by fire during the Spanish Civil War. It was then that Dalí chose to house the largest collection of his works there saying:

“I want my museum to be a single block, a great surrealist object where the people who come to see it will leave with the sensation of having had a theatrical dream“.

It’s now the largest surrealist object in the world and one of the top day trips from Barcelona.

What’s Inside

Dalí himself was involved in its construction, converting every detail of the museum into a work of art.

The building facade, patio, rooms, stairs and furniture all recall surrealist Dalì – look for the face of Mae West in his anamorphic living room installation.

Among the works of art housed by the Dalì Museum Figueres are work spanning every decade:

• Port Alguer (1924).
• The Spectre of Sex-Appeal (1932).
• Portrait of Gala with Two Chops Balanced on Her Shoulder (1933).
• Soft Self-Portrait with Grilled Bacon (1941).
• Galarina (1944-45).
• The Basket of Bread (1945).
• Galatea of the Spheres (1952).

You’ll also get mechanical devices, sculptures, optical illusions, nude figurines, three-dimensional collages, and an installation inside an automobile inspired by Rainy Taxi.

It’s a fascinating museum much appreciated by visitors who have made the Dalì Theatre Museum Figueres the second most visited museum in Spain after the Prado in Madrid.

Buying Tickets for the Dali Museum

Entrance + Girona + Bus Package from Barcelona

The cheapest and most convenient Dalì Museum from Barcelona ticket is bought directly from Barcelona Turisme.

This eliminates the hassle of buying bus/train tickets and waiting in line at the museum. All you’ll have to do is print out the vouchers, show up, and let them take care of the rest.

In addition to the museum you’ll also get a guided tour of historic Girona.

The second largest city in Catalonia and is characterized by its Jewish Quarter and a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.

In all, this tour includes:

• Return bus ticket from/to central Barcelona
• Fast track entrance to the Dali Museum
• Introductory tour to the Dali Museum
• A walking tour of historic Girona
• English, Spanish, and Catalan speaking guide to accompany you

The cost of the ticket is €73.80 for adults and €54.00 for children eight and under.

If you book directly with the official tourism board (Barcelona Turisme) by using the button below you get 10% off tickets: a savings of €8.20 per ticket.

Travel info:

• Tours from 11/14/22 to 03/26/23: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:30 am.
• Tours from 03/27/23 to 10/01/2023: from Tuesday to Sunday at 8:30 am.
• The bus included in the pack leaves from the Estació del Nord.
• You’ll be able to visit the museum between 12:00 and 15:00.
• Visits not available on Mondays and December 25th and January 1st.
• In high season (June, July, and August) you can get a guided tour completely free.

Regular Dali Museum Admission

Looking to make your way to Figueres independently? It’s still highly recommended to book your basic entrance tickets in advance – I’ve heard of people travelling all that way only to be turned away.

These general admission tickets also include entrance to Dalì’s jewelry collection.

The prices are as follows:

• Adults: €19.00.
• Children: free under 9 years old.

How to Get to the Dalì Museum From Barcelona

By Train

The train from Barcelona to the Dalì Museum takes between 1 hour and 40 minutes (MD) and 2 hours and 20 minutes (Regional). From the Figueres train station to the Theatre Museum is about a 12 minute walk.

You can check train schedules here by selecting “Barcelona (Todas)” to “Figueres”.

To get this train you’ll need to board at either Estaciò de Sants or Barcelona El Clot-Arago.

One way tickets vary between €11.00 and €16.00 depending on the train. Some can be bought in advance online using the link above, while some can only be bought at the station.

By Bus

To take the bus from Barcelona to the Dalì Museum you’ll need to board it at the Estaciò del Norte, just a stone’s throw from Arc de Triumf metro and Ciutadella Park.

The Sagales-run bus goes 5-6 times daily and takes two and a half hours.

Check the Barcelona-Figueres bus schedule online on the Sagales website.

The bus can either drop you off at the Figueres train station (a 12 minute walk) or right at the Salvador Dalì Museum.

Again, since a one way bus ticket to Figueres costs €20.00 it’s a much better deal to get the package ticket offered by Tiqets above.

By Rental Car

This is a great option if you’re considering a city escape up the majestic Costa Brava. Take highway P7 north out of Barcelona towards La Jonquera and exit at Figueres or Nacional II (Barcelona-França).

The car journey is about 140 km (85 miles). From here just head to the centre of the city or trust your GPS.

The exact address is Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres, Girona, Spain.

ETA: an hour and thirty minutes.

Cost: €20.00-€25.00 in gas + car rental price.

For the best car rental prices my readers have had great experiences using Rentalcars.com.

Dalì Museum Hours

When planning your trip to the Dalì Museum from Barcelona it’s important to keep in mind that last admittance is 45 minutes before closing.

The exhibition rooms close 15 minutes before the official closing time.

• November to February: from 10:30 to 18:00.
• March and October: from 9:30 to 18:00.
• April to September: from 9:00 to 20:00.

Careful: the Theatre Museum is closed every Monday from October 1^st to May 31st (except open holidays March 26th, April 10th and 17th, and May 1st and 8th), December 25th, and January 1st.

There are also special nighttime openings which are still TBA for 2023. It usually takes place in late July and early August.

Open daily in June, July, August, and September.

For more information consult the official page.

Disabled Access + Restrictions

Unfortunately much of the Dalì Museum Barcelona is difficult for Barcelona travelers with reduced mobility owing to its position on the ruins of an old theater.

The portions of the museum adapt for wheelchair users are: the central courtyard, the stage, the key works of Dalí’s Treasure Room, the under-stage area, and the ground floor with painter’s crypt, drawings, and engravings.

For disabled access head to the Gala Dalí Square by the terrace bars.

In addition the following restrictions apply:

• Flash photography or tripods are not permitted.
• Groups of 25+ must book in advance.
• Backpacks, strollers/prams, and other luggage are not permitted.
• Smoking, eating, and drinking are forbidden.
• The museum reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone.

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Dalí Museum Barcelona FAQ

Are there any temporary exhibitions at the Dalí Museum Barcelona?

Yes, there are usually two different ones so you may want to take a look at the temporary exhibitions before buying your tickets.

What exactly is the Dalí Jewels exhibition?

It’s a collection of 39 jewels and the 27 drawings by Dalí that inspired them 1941 to 1970. This collection can be visited independently for a price of €7.00 (€5.00 reduced). It’s included in regular admission.

Is there a bag check?

Yes, there is a free left-luggage area but keep in mind you will not be allowed to check in valuables or fragile objects like computers, passports, money, cameras etc. Leave them at your holiday apartment.

Can I visit the Dalí Theatre Museum at night?

Yes, but only between late July and early September. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday there are English tours that go from 10:30 pm to 1:00 am. Check for more info on night tours here.

If I’m coming from France, how do I get to Figueres?

Take the A9 motorway (Perpignan-La Jonquera) then Nacional II until Figueres.

Salvador Dalì Biography

“I don’t take drugs, I am the drug” – Salvador Dalì

Dalì was born on May 11, 1904 in Figueres, a few months after the death of his older brother (who the artist claimed to be a reincarnation of). He had a troubled relationship with his father, a tough and authoritarian man, which hindered any career progress or training of the child.

Thanks to his mother, Dalì was able to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid, where he was then expelled after declaring that no one was good enough to teach him anything.

He then moved to Paris where he met Picasso and fell in love with his wife Gala, who willingly participated in the odd public appearances of her husband. During the Second World War he moved with his wife to New York where he met Amanda Leer with whom he had an affair for many years.

After 8 years he decided to return to Catalunya where he died in 1989. He was buried in Figueres, in the Theatre Museum dedicated to him.

Still Wondering How to Visit the Dali Museum from Barcelona?

If there’s something you still need to know about the Dalì Museum Barcelona make sure you ask me in the comments below – and remember, I’m here to answer any Barcelona holiday question no matter how stupid 😉

Also don’t be afraid to share your museum experiences, the more information the better!

Happy travels 🙂