The exhibit, featuring 369 paintings and 38 sculptures by Dali, is said to be the largest of its kind ever coming to China. These works on loan from the Dali Foundation in Spain previously travelled to Guangzhou and Beijing. "The sculptures were selected from the best of the best," said Yu Bing, organizer at the center. "They cover a wide period of the artist's life."

Among the works on display are two of his best-known: a sculpture called "Space Elephant" and his famous painting of melting clocks called "The Persistence of Memory."

The 7.2-meter, bronze, skinny-trunked elephant will stand outside the gate of the center. "Space Elephant" embodies a typical Dalinian philosophy: The elephant becomes weightless as it moves through space.

"Dali is an eccentric genius, versatile in many areas. Visitors will also find eight of Dali's paintings, said to be inspired by the poems of Chairman Mao (founder of the New China)," Yu said.

(eastday.com November 19, 2002)