Located in the heart of London’s South Bank, the County Hall Gallery invites guests inside the unique mind of Salvador Dali – the greatest surrealist, self-publicist and creative genius of the 20th Century. With its dreamlike labyrinth of galleries and interactive fantasyland spaces, it is one of the most unusual retrospectives ever seen. Over 500 amazing works are on display – including drawings, furniture, film backdrops, gold and glass objets d’art, and exclusive sculptures. Curated by Benjamino Levi, who worked with Dali on the development of his sculptures, the exhibition has an ambience of intimacy with the artist and Dali’s enigmatic personality flows from every piece.
Visitors enter the exhibition through an atmospheric and dimly-lit corridor lined with photographs of Dali and some of his most famous quotes before moving on to three areas which divide the works on display into three main themes. The first is Dreams and Fantasy which transports guests into the subconscious world of fantasy and symbolism that intrigued Dali. This space is home to sculptures of objects from his famous paintings, included the melted watch draped against a tree (‘Profile of Time’) and the spindly-legged elephant (Space Elephant). One of his less well known works is ‘La Tasse Pour Na Pas Boire’ (the cup from which not to drink), which is the shape of a cup that resembles a lily floating on water. Giving surreal meanings to everyday objects was one of the most famous techniques used by Dali, as seen in the infamous ‘Lobster Telephone’ which guests can visit at the Tate Modern.
The second space is dedicated to Sensuality and Femininity, which both preoccupied and inspired Dali. Works displayed here include the vibrant red ‘Mae West Lips Sofa’ and a stunning green replica of the Venue de Milo. The final space, Religion and Mythology, is dedicated to Dali’s irreverent and sometimes tempestuous relationship with the church, his association with Freud and home to sculptures like the ‘Last Supper’ and ‘The Minotaur’.
The exhibition is open daily from 10am–6pm. Entry is £12 for adults, £8 for children aged 8-16 and £5 for children aged 4-7. The County Hall Gallery is located on Westminster Bridge Road, opposite the Houses of Parliament, and the nearest tube stations are Waterloo and Westminster .
If you find yourself with time to spare after a surreal afternoon at the Dali Universe, you are just minutes away from the London Aquarium, the London Eye, the Hayward Gallery, and the National Theatre. The Waterloo and South Bank area is also home to literally hundreds of cafés, restaurants and gastropubs so there’s no chance of going hungry. For creative cocktails in a sophisticated setting, head for Lounge 34 and try out their basil and strawberry martini. A surreal concoction that Dali would be proud of!
