2011 is here and there’s a buzz about the upcoming grand opening of the Dali Museum, which will feature the masterworks of Salvador Dali.

Stephen M. Wheeler, in his Double Take feature, appearing in the January February 2011 issue of AAA Going Places magazine, says it best in his whimsical take on the artist and his mustache, entitled “Must ‘Stache Dali.”

Wheeler suggests there’s an “undisputable commonality” between the artist and “the infamous curl of his moustache:  They’re [both] surreal.”

To confirm this observation, share the pride of St. Petersburg and the highly-anticipated opening of the brand-new Dali Museum, scheduled to open on an equally surreal date . . . 1-11-11.  Well . . . the artist was “one” of a kind!

The Museum, located at 1000 Third Street South in St. Petersburg, FL, is twice the size of the old Dali museum.  The $36 million endeavor includes 66,500 square feet-for exhibits as well as meeting space.

You may see people–children and children at heart alike–throughout Pinellas County wearing a painted on or paper mustache on January 11, 2011 . . . of course, now you’ll know why.

It will be an artfully fun day . . . In Paradise Found!   

MORE INFORMATON ABOUT THE DALI MUSEUM:

BECOME A MEMBER!

Step into the surrealist landscape with a membership to the Dalí Museum, and embark on an intimate journey through the world’s largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s artwork outside of Spain. Members enjoy personalized benefits that enrich the museum experience, and provide valuable support to enhance our essential programming.  Join today to unleash your creativity, and maybe change the way you see the world.  

ALL active Members will be invited to attend a behind-the-scenes Preview Party at our new museum building before the official Grand Opening in January 2011.

SAMPLING OF JANUARY 2011 EVENTS AT THE NEW DALI:

The Florida Orchestra and The Studio@620: A Night of Dalí & Music
Wednesday, January 5, 7:00 p.m.
Location:  The Studio@620, 620 First Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Explore the link between art and music of the 20th century in saluting Salvador Dalí. The program will include several surreal surprises including special performances of “Party Pieces: Sonorous and Exquisite Corpses” by composers John Cage, Henry Cowell, Lou Harrison, and Virgil Thompson; readings from “Little mi-ma Monsterlet” and “Frankenstein”, plus a performance from “Nine Surrealist Studies (After Salvador Dali)” #3 Persistence of Memory. The program is a prelude discussion to “Hello Dalí”, the Florida Orchestra – Dalí Museum Grand Opening Celebration as well as part of the second season of “An Intimate Collaboration II: The World We Live In”, at The Studio@620.  Cost: Suggested donation of $10 payable at the door. Reservations recommended by calling 727-895-6620 as seating is limited.

Grand Opening Procession, Ribbon Cutting & Festival
Tuesday, January 11, 9:30 a.m. -3:00 p.m.

The New Dalí Museum Open to the Public
Wednesday, January 12, 2011

The Dalí Museum is open to the public 10:00 a.m-5:30 p.m. Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, 10:00 am.-8:00 p.m. Thursday, and 12:00-5:30 Sunday. Tickets available for purchase at the door, starting January 12, 2011. Or, purchase them online by visiting www.thedali.org.

Family Day at the Dalí
Saturday, January 15, 10:30 – 4:00

Visit the Dalí for a day of events for families: At 10:30, learn about the Salvador Dalí and the Museum collection through a guided tour led by the 2011 Junior Docent class of Douglas Jamerson Elementary.  At noon, Catch the Wave with performance artist Marcey Walsch, as she explores the Science behind Sound and Music with what else? Water balloons, slinkies, space phone and whoopee cushions! The afternoon culminates with Dillydally with Dalí with fun games, puzzles and craft activities which educate and encourage family interaction. In addition, activity sheets are available that enable families to explore the museum on their own.

 CREDITS:  With thanks to www.thedali.org and Stephen M. Wheeler, “Must ‘Stache Dali,” Double Take, AAA Going Places.  January February 2011.  AAA.com.  Page 56.  To read the full article, visit: www.aaagoingplaces.com.