The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is set to embark on a significant expansion, with construction anticipated to commence in 2026 and the new facilities expected to open in 2028.
This expansion will encompass an impressive additional 35,000 square feet, with an estimated budget of $65 million. The project aims to enhance exhibition spaces, establish a dedicated learning center, and introduce innovative immersive experiences that blend art with digital technology. The Beck Group, known for constructing the museum's original building in 2011, will lead the design and construction of this new addition.
Founded in 1982, the museum boasts one of the largest collections of Salvador Dalí's works outside of Spain, having welcomed over 10 million visitors since its inception.
Executive Director Hank Hine emphasized that the expansion is not merely about increasing size but about fostering a bold vision for the future. "This next chapter allows us to transcend existing limitations and create spaces for deeper learning, more ambitious experiences, and broader access," he stated.
The new facilities will feature adaptable gallery spaces for experiential exhibitions, a learning center catering to K-12 students and adult learners, and community-focused areas designed for cultural programming and events. The architectural design, dubbed "Reveal," will reinterpret elements of the existing structure while integrating new features.
Trevor Lamphier, a design principal at the Beck Group, indicated that the exterior of the building will invite visitors to engage more deeply with the architecture, reflecting Dalí's own artistic strategies.
Consultation for the project will include insights from architect Yann Weymouth, who was instrumental in designing the museum's original building.
Funding for this ambitious expansion has already received early support from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater through its "From Visitors with Love" initiative, which reinvests revenue from the county's tourist development tax.
Museum officials have confirmed that the institution will remain open during the construction phase. A 3D model of the proposed expansion will be displayed starting May 2, as part of an exhibition focused on the architectural evolution of the building.