Dalí Museum to Exhibit Soft Construction with Boiled Beans
The Dalí Museum will display the iconic 1936 painting alongside a new historical installation starting October 29, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Fine Art
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The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg will host the painting Soft Construction with Boiled Beans beginning October 29, 2026. This significant work, which dates to the onset of the Spanish Civil War, will remain on view through April 19, 2027.
Why it matters
The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to view a masterpiece on loan from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It provides context to the artistic evolution of Salvador Dalí during a turbulent period of political upheaval.
The painting measures 39.4 inches by 39 inches. It was originally created by Salvador Dalí in 1936 following initial studies completed in 1934.
The players
The Dalí Museum
Located in St. Petersburg, this institution houses one of the most comprehensive collections of works by the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
This major cultural institution holds the permanent collection that includes the painting Soft Construction with Boiled Beans.
Salvador Dalí
He was a renowned Spanish surrealist painter known for his technical skill and bizarre, dreamlike imagery.
The details
The museum is placing the work within its permanent collection galleries to coincide with a specially created historical installation. This companion piece will feature black-and-white imagery and commentary focused on the Spanish Civil War.
Timeline
Studies for the painting were produced in 1934.
The painting was created in 1936, the same year the Spanish Civil War erupted.
The painting goes on display at the Dalí Museum on October 29, 2026.
The painting will be removed from view on April 19, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
Museums frequently utilize inter-institutional loans to build comprehensive thematic exhibits that draw from broader art history. This collaboration reflects a standard industry practice of rotating masterworks to provide fresh historical context for audiences.
Visitors to the museum will have a limited six-month window to view this specific piece on display in St. Petersburg. The addition of the historical installation ensures that guests can access educational context regarding the war directly alongside the painting.
The takeaway
Art lovers should plan their visit before the April 2027 closing date to avoid missing this temporary exhibit. Engaging with the companion historical installation will provide a deeper understanding of how the Spanish Civil War influenced artistic expression.
What happens next
The exhibition is scheduled to conclude on April 19, 2027.
Further reading
Discover more about regional exhibitions on our St. Petersburg Fine Art page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St Pete Catalyst.
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