“I wanted Dalí because of the architectural sharpness of his work”.
Alfred Hitchcock
On this upcoming Friday, February 2, 2024, the Old Philharmonic Hall located in Munich will witness the grand inauguration of the exhibition titled “Dalí: Spellbound – The Exhibition” (“Dalí: Spellbound – Die Ausstellung”).
Presented by Dalí Universe and curated by their President Mr. Beniamino Levi in collaboration with ALEGRIA Konzert and Phantasya Communication, the exhibition promises to be a captivating exploration into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí.
Within the internal spaces of the Old Philharmonic Hall around fifty authentic works by Salvador Dalí will be on display. The diverse collection includes sculptures of various sizes, illustrations, and furnishings.
A highlight of the exhibition is the opportunity to admire a selection of museum sculptures conceived by Salvador Dalí, some prints, and the monumental sculptures “Persistence of Memory” and “Rhinoceros Cosmique”.
Among the extraordinary exhibits is the iconic “Mae West Sofa” – a collaborative creation between Salvador Dalí and the English poet and collector Edward James.
Taking center stage in this extraordinary exhibition is the spectacular monumental (5 by 11 meters) painting “Spellbound”, a unique collaboration between Alfred Hitchcock and Salvador Dalí. In 1945, Hitchcock commissioned Dalí to create it for his film of the same name, starring legendary actors Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck.
Hitchcock’s film “Spellbound” was a groundbreaking exploration of Freudian psychoanalysis, and Dalí’s painting served as the backdrop for the dream scene. Through this masterpiece, Dalí vividly captured the illusory nature of the subconscious state, where reality is adorned by repressed thoughts and the hidden workings of the mind.
Dalí’s deep interest in psychoanalysis, coupled with his personal encounter with Sigmund Freud and artistic depictions of the psychoanalyst, made him a natural choice for Hitchcock.
Dalí’s creative genius challenged conventional perceptions of reality, constructing a dream world around the recurring motif of an eye. As the filmmaker explained, “I could have chosen De Chirico or Ernst, but none were as imaginative and extravagant as Dalí”. Hitchcock said in an interview. “I wanted Dalí because of the architectural sharpness of his work”.
In terms of technology, “Dalí: Spellbound – The Exhibition” represents a pioneering endeavor: a fusion of displays and multimedia elements weaves into a unique storyline crafted exclusively for this event, enveloping attendees in a mesmerizing realm.
Utilizing visual effects, holographic displays, immersive soundscapes, a freely navigable virtual reality encounter, and evocative settings, the exhibition transforms the visitor’s stroll into a profoundly emotional journey. The exhibition caters to a diverse audience, appealing to both art and film enthusiasts. It extends a warm welcome to individuals of all ages who wish to explore the enchanting realm of dreams.
It will be an extraordinary journey into the fantastic mind of two 20th-century giants, the genius of Surrealism and the genius of Psychoanalysis. The public will experience a dream within the exhibition path created inside the Old Philharmonic Hall of Munich.
The exhibition “Dalí: Spellbound – The Exhibition” (“Dalí: Spellbound – Die Ausstellung”) is set to open its doors to the public tomorrow, Friday, February 2, 2024, and will welcome visitors until April, 2024. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this enchanting exploration of art, dreams, and the intersection of two brilliant minds.
Image: Salvador Dalí with Alfred Hitchcock, Spellbound, 1945.