Montréal will welcome a new museum dedicated to Salvador Dalí in 2027, bringing the Spanish surrealist’s lesser-known works and archives to a historic building in Old Montréal.
The Musée des archives de Salvador Dalí (MASD) unveiled its plans on October 27, revealing a project that aims to explore the artist’s work beyond his best-known paintings. According to Radio-Canada, the museum will occupy the former Harbour Commissioners’ Building at 357 rue de la Commune, a landmark constructed in 1875 that is set to open to the public as a museum for the first time. The building previously housed the private members’ club 357c and has remained largely inaccessible to the general public for decades.
The institution will focus on the artist's graphic work, including drawings, prints, lithographs and silkscreens. The collection will also include authenticated artworks and archival documents, with an emphasis on researching and preserving the artist’s creative legacy.
The project was initiated by local cultural entrepreneur and historian Félix Bélanger, who began researching Dalí’s work in 2017. Theatre director Lorraine Pintal, formerly at the helm of the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, has joined the project as its director.
The museum will also take an immersive approach to presenting the artist’s work. Plans include projections, lighting, music and occasional live performances, drawing on Québec’s traditions in theatre, dance and other performing arts. In an interview with CityNews, Bélanger described the intended experience as being similar to a theatrical production, with creative staging designed to complement the artworks.
Construction and preparations are underway, with the Musée des archives de Salvador Dalí expected to open in 2027. Ticket prices and an exact opening date have not yet been announced.
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