The Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation announces the acquisition of 22 illustrations from the book "50 magical secrets to paint"

The Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation has announced the purchase of twenty-two illustrations from the book "50 magical secrets to paint" (1948), a work that was part of the Pitxot collection. With the new acquisition, the foundation currently has a total of 59 drawings. In the aforementioned book, Dalí shares his knowledge and painting techniques, offering practical and theoretical advice for artists, as well as reflecting his fascination with science and mathematics. The announcement was made by Jordi Mercader, president of the Dalí Foundation, in a meeting with the press at the Círculo Ecuestre in Barcelona.

In addition to the illustrations, the Dalinià center has also acquired three paintings from the artist's first period, they did not want to reveal any details, as they plan to announce it later, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Theatre-Museum Dalí, inaugurated on September 28 in Figueres. Eight drawings representing designs for certain spaces of the Theater-Museum and a heliogravure (ex-libris created by Dalí in 1931 by André Bretón) representing an anteater bone, as requested by the leader of the surrealist group, have also been purchased .

© Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí/VEGAP, Figueres, 2024. Tots els drets reservats.

During 2023, the Dalí museums received a total of 952,601 visitors, an increase of 16.6% compared to 2022. This figure highlights the gradual recovery of the number of visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels, since in 2019 exceeded one million visitors. Of these 952,601 visitors, 726,199 went to the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, 65,226 to the Gala-Dalí Castle in Púbol, and 161,176 to the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat. With a total income of 17,809,075 euros.

Mercader said that "The consolidation of the entity is reflected in the results, which include a surplus of 7.3 million euros, a very relevant figure if we take into account that in 2020 losses of more than 3 million were recorded of euros". It has also announced a new stage focused on an ambitious technology development project for 2024. This project includes a significant investment in technology, the improvement of web pages and computer systems, as well as the implementation of short-term cultural plans. In addition, the foundation has begun work on creating immersive exhibitions around the world.

In this context of growth and infrastructure improvement, the foundation has acquired more than 1,300 m² with the purchase of Casa Giralt Ventolà. This new acquisition will facilitate access for visitors and allow the realization of temporary exhibitions, in addition to having rooms equipped with services such as cafes and educational services.

The president of the Dalinian center has also highlighted the addition of Professor Estrella de Diego to the Board of Trustees and the importance of teachers in influencing and inspiring young people to introduce them to the world of art and culture, highlighting the crucial role of artistic education in the training of new generations.