Sunday, September 15, 2024 This autumn, the dreamlike, subconscious world of surrealism comes alive as we celebrate the centenary of the movement. Founded by André Breton in 1924, surrealism aimed to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind. To commemorate its 100th anniversary, exhibitions and celebrations are popping up across Europe.
For art lovers, this is the perfect chance to explore the homes, studios, and cities that shaped the iconic surrealists. Salvador Dalí, perhaps surrealism’s most famous figure, was born in Figueres, a town in Catalonia. His fantastical works can be explored at the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a monument to his unique vision.
The museum itself is a surreal masterpiece, topped with giant eggs. Alongside his own works, the museum displays Dalí’s personal art collection, featuring pieces by El Greco and Marcel Duchamp. You can also visit his childhood home at 6 Monturiol Street, which offers a more intimate look at the artist’s early life.
While in Figueres, don’t miss dining at the Hotel Duran, a restaurant Dalí himself frequented. This stately Jacobean manor was a hub for surrealists in the 1920s and today houses some of the movement’s most iconic pieces, including Dalí’s Lobster Telephone and Mae West sofa. Now a college for crafts and restoration, West Dean will offer special tours this autumn to celebrate the centenary.
Close by, you can visit the Newlands House Gallery in Petworth, which is hosting an exhibition on British surrealist Leonora Carrington until October 24. Renowned for his eerie, dreamlike cityscapes, Giorgio de Chirico’s former home is located near the Spanish Steps in Rome. The house, now a museum, showcases some of his most haunting works.
Visitors can explore de Chirico’s studio, which still holds his brushes and palettes, evoking the presence of the artist. Afterward, enjoy a stay at the nearby Hotel Scalinata di Spagna. Marseilles became a refuge for many surrealists fleeing Nazi persecution in the 1930s.
The Musée Cantini houses a remarkable collection of surrealist art, including works by Max Ernst and André Masson. Marseilles has retained its creative energy, particularly in the trendy Mazargues area. Here, Pavillon Southway combines an art gallery and creative studios with a stylish place to stay.
René Magritte is known for infusing surrealism with wit and whimsy. The Musée Magritte in Brussels houses over 200 of his works, including paintings and films, offering an immersive look into his playful world. After your visit, stop by the Hotel Amigo’s Magritte bar for cocktails inspired by the artist or relax at La Fleur en Papier Doré, a café where Magritte and other Belgian surrealists gathered in the 1920s.
The surrealists were deeply inspired by landscapes, often imbuing them with unsettling qualities. From November, The Hepworth Wakefield is showcasing the “Forbidden Territories” exhibition, featuring leading surrealists like Dalí and contemporary artists. Leeds also plays a role, with the Henry Moore Institute presenting an exhibit on postwar female surrealists.
Joan Miró, another giant of surrealism, spent the last 25 years of his life in Mallorca. His home and studio are now part of the Miró Mallorca Museum, where visitors can explore his works and even take part in art courses. The nearby Hotel Joan Miró offers comfortable accommodations along with facilities for cyclists, making it a perfect base for exploring the island.
Before closing for a five-year renovation, the Pompidou Centre is hosting a major surrealist exhibition from September to January. The museum holds a wealth of surrealist masterpieces, and its upcoming show will be a must-see for any fan of the movement. Surrealism’s roots in Paris run deep, and you can still visit places like the Hotel des Grands Hommes, where Breton wrote the surrealist manifesto Les Champs Magnétiques .
Dadaism, the predecessor of surrealism, was born in Zurich at the famous Cabaret Voltaire. This avant-garde café became the epicenter for the early absurdist movement, which rejected conventional artistic norms. Today, Cabaret Voltaire is still a café and gallery space, where you can soak in the spirit of Dada.
Zurich’s Kunsthaus also features an impressive collection of Dada and surrealist works. Lee Miller, a photographer and muse to Man Ray, lived in a farmhouse near Lewes with her husband Roland Penrose. Their home, Farleys House, became a hub for surrealist activity, and the couple’s art collection still adorns the walls.
The house is open to the public until October, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of two pivotal surrealist figures. Peggy Guggenheim, a leading patron of surrealism, created an extraordinary collection of modern art in her Venice palazzo. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection features works by Max Ernst, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte, making it a key destination for surrealist art lovers.
Venice itself, with its labyrinthine canals and ethereal atmosphere, feels like a surrealist dream come to life. Max Ernst, one of the pioneers of surrealism, was born in Brühl, near Cologne. The Max Ernst Museum in Brühl celebrates his life and work with a comprehensive collection of his sculptures, paintings, and collages.
A highlight is the garden filled with Ernst’s surrealist sculptures. This museum offers a deep dive into the mind of one of the movement’s most innovative artists. From France to England and beyond, these surrealist escapes offer an unparalleled opportunity to dive into the surrealist movement and experience the places that shaped its most iconic figures.
Whether you’re wandering through Dalí’s egg-topped museum in Figueres or sipping a Magritte-inspired cocktail in Brussels, these destinations provide an unforgettable journey into the dreamlike world of surrealism..
