The expansion will be built on the south side of the Museum, between the existing building and Dalí Blvd, with a small portion extending to the west side.

Site preparation and pre-construction work begin in summer 2026, with groundbreaking planned for fall 2026.

The Museum plans to open the expansion in fall 2028.

The total cost of the expansion is estimated at $65 million. Funding will come from a combination of sources, including:

• A $25 million capital grant from the Pinellas County Commission, funded by hotel tax revenue generated by area visitors, many of whom come to The Dalí.

• The Museum’s Expansion Fund, developed over the years to support long-term growth and capital improvements.

• Corporate sponsorships from partners aligned with the Museum’s mission.

• Private donations from individuals who support the Museum and recognize its cultural and community value.

• Grants from foundations that invest in arts, education and civic development.

The Capital Project Grant awarded to The Dalí from the Pinellas County Commission, on the recommendation of the Tourist Development Council, is funded through the “Bed Tax,” collected from overnight tourist accommodations such as hotels. Pinellas County reinvests these funds into local improvements, including capital projects, sports attractions, and cultural arts organizations.

Inspired by the creative spirit of Salvador Dalí and the growing global interest in innovative art experiences, the expansion will include:

• Flexible gallery spaces designed for immersive experiences that blend art and technology

• A dedicated Learning Center for K–12 student programs and adult education

• Community event spaces to support programs, gatherings and cultural activities

Together with the Museum’s existing permanent collection galleries, special exhibition spaces, theater, café and Avant-garden, these additions will create an integrated campus—allowing the Museum to better serve visitors, students and the local community.

The Beck Group was chosen for its strong track record with projects of this scale and its deep familiarity with the site, having built the Museum’s existing building alongside consultant Yann Weymouth, architect of the Museum’s original award-winning design. Together, they bring a shared focus on creativity, innovation and a thoughtful expansion of the existing design.

Each year, The Dalí Museum generates $106 million in total economic impact, including $53 million in direct spending that supports local businesses, jobs and tourism. Since opening the current building in 2011, The Dalí has contributed more than $1 billion in economic impact to the community.

Looking ahead, research* indicates that over the next decade, the proposed expansion would generate more than $3 billion in economic impact, significantly amplifying the Museum’s role as an economic engine for the region and ensuring The Dalí can continue to drive cultural vitality, attract visitors and deliver long-term economic benefits to our area for decades to come.

*Visitor Profile data by Destination Analysts, 2018–2022; Economic impact projections by Research Data Services, Inc., 2022.

The Dalí Museum has worked with neighboring partners, including the Mahaffey Theater and the Firestone Grand Prix, to accommodate shared needs and minimize disruption. The Firestone Grand Prix will continue to have access to The Dalí parking lot during and after construction, and the Mahaffey Theater is expected to remain open throughout the construction period, as it did during the current Museum’s build.

The Dalí’s expansion represents an early step toward the broader Center for the Arts vision, which aims to enrich the cultural experience for residents and visitors for years to come. The Center for the Arts, proposed by the City of St. Petersburg, is being developed to enhance the Mahaffey Theater and create a more park-like campus in anticipation of City Council action. The city is currently conducting studies and assessments for this initiative.

The Museum’s visitor parking lot will remain open for most of the project, though there may be occasional periods when access is limited. We will continue working closely with the city to ensure ample parking options are available for guests throughout the expansion.

The Museum plans to remain open during construction. Some areas may be temporarily closed as work progresses, and we will clearly communicate any changes to the visitor experience in advance.

For inquiries about building construction and architecture, contact Expansion@TheDali.org. To learn more about The Dalí’s capital campaign or to make a donation, contact Development@TheDali.org. 

For press inquiries, contact PR@TheDali.org.  For all other general inquiries, contact Info@TheDali.org.