La Seyne-sur-Mer is set to host a remarkable cultural event in 2025: the Salvador Dalí “Happening,” an exhibition hailed as both historic and unprecedented. This extraordinary showcase celebrates the multifaceted genius of Salvador Dalí, the world-renowned figure whose influence on surrealism and the broader cultural landscape remains unparalleled.
Held at the iconic venue La Bourse du Travail, the event offers an immersive experience in a strategically located space with ample interiors ideal for exceptional scenography. The exhibition provides free entry, making it accessible to local residents, national visitors, and the vast international tourist audience frequenting the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region.
Salvador Dalí’s works have consistently drawn record-breaking audiences worldwide. From the 2012-2013 Pompidou Centre retrospective, which attracted over 900,000 visitors in four months, to his timeless exhibitions, Dalí’s magnetism transcends generations, nationalities, and social boundaries. The “Happening” exhibition is expected to continue this legacy, inspiring curiosity and admiration through a collection of over 500 rare and unseen photographs, documents, and artworks.
The exhibition’s core themes, “Don Quixote” and “The Apocalypse,” explore Dalí’s creative genius through unique archival material. Attendees will witness original works and photography that capture Dalí’s deep connection to France and his intellectual and spiritual ties to the origins of surrealism. Rare documents and signed photographs will underscore the Catalan visionary’s innovative contributions to art and media.
Dalí’s extensive exploration of photography is another focal point. Recognised as a pioneer of artistic self-staging, his photographic oeuvre demonstrates a foresight that aligns seamlessly with contemporary media culture. This unprecedented exhibition brings together signed photographs, original drawings, lithographs, gouaches, and over 500 unique works of art, offering visitors a comprehensive view of his artistic versatility.
Additionally, the exhibition will present monumental sculptures, including the famed “Christ of St. John of the Cross,” a three-metre bronze masterpiece, and the iconic “Mae West Lips Sofa,” alongside archival footage showcasing Dalí’s vibrant creative spirit in 1950s Paris.
The “Happening” is not only a tribute to Dalí as a painter but also as a photographer, writer, scenographer, designer, and actor. Through an eclectic and didactic approach, the event celebrates the many dimensions of his genius:
As Jordi Casals, a Dalí expert and the exhibition’s curator, explains: “This event will redefine how audiences perceive Salvador Dalí. It reveals his multi-disciplinary mastery and his ability to transcend the traditional boundaries of art.”
Dalí the Visionary
Dalí the Inventor
Dalí the Creator
Dalí the Media Innovator
The Salvador Dalí “Happening” also honours Dalí’s lifelong connections with Monaco and the Côte d’Azur, regions pivotal to his artistic development. The exhibition’s organisers aim to illuminate Dalí’s enduring impact on these cultural hubs through an unparalleled collection of vintage posters, manuscripts, and visual archives.
The event is proudly partnered with Rebeca Riofrío, Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Society for Arts UK and Director and Founder of Art in Fusion TV. Ms. Riofrío’s expertise and influence in the global arts and media sectors bring significant prestige to the “Happening.” Her commitment to fostering cultural and artistic dialogue makes her a vital collaborator in this landmark exhibition. Additionally, Rebeca Riofrío will be covering the exhibition for the Parliamentary News Magazine, offering readers exclusive insights into this groundbreaking event. Rebeca Riofrío, alongside Elvijs Plugis as part of Art in Fusion, was also instrumental in the success of a previous Dalí exhibition curated by Jordi Casals in Bormes-les-Mimosas, an event celebrated for its outstanding reception and impact.
Jordi Casals, a lifelong Salvador Dalí aficionado and renowned specialist, has been curating Dalí’s works for over four decades. His extensive collection of rare documents, photographs, and signed works has garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions in Europe, the Americas, and Australia. Casals’ vision for the “Happening” ensures an experience of both historical and artistic significance.
Join us in 2025 for this extraordinary event, where art, history, and innovation converge to celebrate the timeless genius of Salvador Dalí. Let this “Happening” inspire, educate, and captivate audiences from around the globe
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