St. Petersburg’s Dali Museum goes beyond showcasing the works of the famed Spanish artist. Over the last decade, the curators have implemented artificial intelligence, augmented reality and nearly brought its namesake to life.
The Innovation Labs began in 2015, but according to Innovation Labs co-director Kimberly Macuare, the real takeoff was a year later. The museum implemented its “Dreams of Dali” virtual reality experience, which ultimately won a gold medal at the prestigious Cannes Awards.
“That was the moment of, ‘Wow, this is not just this is a cool effect or gadget,’ but it’s capable of experimental storytelling,” Macuare, who also serves as the director of programming, said. “When we saw how people were responding to the technology — where they had the ability to go into a Dali work and navigate and experience it that way — it was absolutely transformational.”
Since then, the museum has become well-known for its technology-first exhibits, in addition to the hundreds of paintings that adorn its walls.
The use of technology is a reflection of Dali himself, Macuare said, adding the famed artist was known for pushing the envelope.
“He was always experimental, always trying to use anything that he could — any lens he could, any technology he could — in order to see things differently; if there was a guiding principle in his life, it was how can we see the world differently,” she said. “I think he would’ve been all on board with what we’re doing. He could be the poster child for creativity and innovation.”
The Dali Museum outsources the technology for its exhibits, although Macuare said many of the ideas for the exhibits come straight from the museum curators and employees.
“There’s a huge collaborative component because, ultimately, it’s our vision and story that we need told,” she said. “Creative sparks can come from individual people, but those creative sparks become implanted innovations through collaborative effects that take the sparks, nurse them, better them and prepare them for implementation.”
The museum is boosting its innovation efforts. It is creating a semi-permanent dome that spans 2,400 square feet and will be used for education and community outreach programs.
“People come to the area precisely because of the museum, and thinking about the expanded museum, we can offer more and educate more,” Macuare said. “It will only build upon that, and it’ll ultimately be a win-win-win for everyone.”
There are also plans for an extension on the building, expected to cost roughly $55 million and have spaces for “education, conferences, events, galleries and a restaurant and terrace overlooking the downtown yacht basin,” according to Tampa Bay Business Journal reporting.
“Right now, I don’t have any new news to share [on that], but we’re dedicated to making this happen and super excited about the possibilities,” Macuare said. “With any large-scale project like this, there are always many stakeholders and facets, so we’re making sure they’re on course and aligned. That’s work in itself, and that’s taking place right now.”
In the interim, the curators are continuing to focus on bringing more unique exhibits to St. Pete. A drawing exhibit runs through October, focused on 100 of Dali’s rarely seen works on paper. Soon its head chef, Chuck Bandel, will create a curated menu in the museum’s cafe inspired by his own watercolors.
“We want to help people understand and appreciate Dali in all these aspects; there’s art, but also his connection to creativity and innovation,” Macuare said. “When people view his work, it’s not just a passive experience, but hopefully will have their creativity sparked, and they might go out and be different after, which is the dream.”
