My daughter is in the IB Program at her high school and will be a senior. The subject of her final paper is Dali. I'm considering a trip there this summer to visit the museum. Is it worth the expense? We would be flying Southwest from New Orleans.

I find the Dali Museum to be wonderful! But then it's all in the eye of the beholder. Is St Pete the closest Dali museum to you?

We've been there twice and taken guests also. A docent is the best way to tour the museum as they show you sights that you would not normally see.

I agree with LN, I love that museum (and I am NOT a "museum lover" per se).

On the first Wednesday of every month they have a tour with one of the curators. That's next week, but I am sure it would add to the experience. If not, as LN says, definitely get a tour with a docent, they reveal so much you wouldn't normally see.

Maybe you can get a low low fare with Southwest...and a Priceline room at the nearby Hilton (downtown location only, don't stay on Route 19, also known as 34th Street). Downtown is great and safe.

The Dali Museum is well worth the expense. Make sure to take the docent tour because it really helps you understand what the paintings are about. I always take guests to the Dali..grumbling all the way...and then once they are there and see his work, I have to DRAG them out! I have never had anyone say they were sorry that I took them to the Dali. Have fun!!!

Events calendar:

http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/events/calendar.html

Is the museum in St. Pete mostly paintings? If so, you should take her to London instead, since the Dali Universe at County Hall has lots of sculpture, furnishings, lithographs, drawings, gold objects, etc. Or at least buy the exhibition catalogue. The museum was put together by a guy who worked closely with Dali and has lots of personal atmosphere.

They have some sculpture, some jewelry and some ceramic work. However, they have four of his most famous paintings..including the "Lincoln" painting. All four of the big paintings are the ones featured in most of the texts on Dali.

I agree, when you stand in front of these HUGE amazing paintings, all pre conceived thoughts go away, love the Dali museum.

DD is an art student having just graduated High School. She did the Dali Museum as one of her museum reviews during senior year. The magnitude of the paintings must be seen to be appreciated.

Thanks so much for your comments. I was under the impression that the Dali Museum in Florida was the only one in the US. She has seen several paintings at MOMA during spring break last year. I will check out the catalog for the exhibit in London. Don't think we can make it there before she graduates.

We were there last month and took two teenagers with us and they enjoyed it. Go on a Thursday after 5 pm and the admission is just 5 bucks per person.

The Dali Museum is awesome and the ONLY place in the world to see Dali's massive "masterworks."

She should also read "The Secret Life of Salvador Dali," written by ... Salvador Dali.

For a student with a specific interest such as hers, it is very much worth the expense, regardless of it's location.

I visited the works often when they were displayed in Cleveland and I would recommend the experience to anyone with a remote interest in the art.