Salvador Dali made surrealism a household name, creating beautifully bizarre, symbolic masterpieces that have enthralled generations of art lovers. More than 300 of his finest sculptures and graphic art pieces are showcased at Espace Dali, the largest collection of the artist’s work in all of France.
Espace Dalí is on Rue Poulbot in Montmartre. The most scenic way to reach the gallery is to take the Metro (line 12) to Abbesses or Lamarck-Caulaincourt, then hop on the funicular that passes through Place Pigalle tand Sacred Heart Basilica (Sacre Coeur). Those with mobility issues will want to take the elevator from the Abbesses Metro stop rather than the steep stairwell. By foot, follow the direction “Place du Tertre”.
Espace Dalí is open Monday - Sunday, 10:00am – 6:00pm. Come early to avoid the crowds. Paris sees the most pleasant weather from late spring through early fall, May through September. Deals on hotels may be found during the winter and early spring months. Festivals abound year-round; highlights include Bastille Day in July, and the springtime jazz and blues festival, Banlieues Bleues, and the summertime city-wide music festival, Paris, Quartier d’Été.
While in Montmartre, don’t miss a visit to this stunning basilica sitting atop the highest hill. The second highest point in Paris after the Eiffel Tower, the church is a lovely place from which to view the entire city. Both the exterior and interior are in the grand style of Romano Byzantine architecture, and take inspiration from Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice.
