Here stands the Dolmen de Dalí a surreal tribute to science art and love. It is located in the Plaza de Salvador Dalí in Madrid. This monumental sculpture is more than just art. It is a statement. Inaugurated in 1986 the Dolmen de Dalí has been a point of interest. Since 2010 it has been a Bien de Interés Patrimonial.
Its story began with a cultural campaign. It was named “Viva la Gala!” This campaign honored Gala. She was Salvador Dalí’s wife who had died three years prior. The Madrid City Council decided to dedicate a space to Dalí. This space was at the end of Avenida de Felipe II. The council commissioned Dalí to create a work for it.
Meetings took place in Figueras. Dalí met with city representatives. He outlined the elements for the monumental ensemble. It would be called “El Dolmen de Dalí.” Dalí approved sketches. Finally an agreement was signed in Figueras. The square would be named after Salvador Dalí. It would feature a stone dolmen and a bronze sculpture on a pedestal.
Another agreement was signed with Sociedad Ararte. This company owned the image rights to “El Dolmen de Dalí.” The agreement covered the project’s finances. The erection of the sculpture was led by architect Alfonso Güemes. Juan Barranco the Mayor of Madrid inaugurated it. He read a telegram from Salvador Dalí. The message ended with “¡Vivan los madrileños!”
In 2002 a reform project threatened the Dolmen de Dalí. The plan was to move the dolmen. It would be moved to the Parque de la Fuente del Berro. The Newton sculpture would be moved west. These changes would alter Dalí’s original vision. However neighborhood opposition foiled the plan. The original pavement was replaced.
In 2009 the courts sided with the neighbors. They classified the Dolmen de Dalí as real estate. This prevented its relocation. The Community of Madrid had to define a protection zone. In 2010 it was declared a Bien de Interés Patrimonial.
The Dolmen de Dalí consists of a stone table. It rests on three granite pillars. There is also a bronze sculpture of a man on a granite pedestal. Dalí approved the project. The original design included a pavement. It depicted a crucified Christ. This pavement was replaced in 2003.
Alfonso Güemes said Dalí wanted to create a monument. It would honor science and technology. Dalí chose a dolmen. It represented humanity’s first construction. He used Isaac Newton to symbolize science.
The dolmen is made of granite. It stands 13.13 meters tall. The stone table is oblong. It is placed horizontally on three pillars. The pillars are from a quarry. They were carved. The top table is a natural rock. The pillars have horizontal incisions. The dolmen’s table is more earthy in color. This creates a color contrast. A small round stone slab was under the dolmen. It was the origin of the paving design. The artist’s signature is engraved on the slab.
The bronze sculpture represents a man. It stands on a black granite pedestal. The figure is adapted from Dalí’s 1969 sculpture. It is titled “Homage to Newton.” It was based on a small image. This image was in the painting “Fosfene de Laporte” from 1932. The man’s body is in motion. His left foot is raised. His weight rests on his right foot. The body above the waist is hollow. A sphere hangs inside. The back features a chain of small balls. It resembles a spine. The head is also hollowed out. The arms extend to the right. A sphere hangs from the right arm. Originally it was made of black granite.
The figure rests on a bronze base. It has Dalí’s signature and the foundry mark “CAPA.” The Eduardo Capa foundry executed the work. They made a model for Dalí to modify. The foundry made several reproductions. Some are exhibited in other countries.
The sculpture’s pedestal is made of polished black granite. Each side has a letter carved into it. The letters spell “GALA”. This is a tribute to Dalí’s wife and muse. So take a moment to appreciate this unique artwork. It blends science art and personal tribute. It is a true Dalí masterpiece.