Step up to the surreal life

At this particular time of year, reality can be harsh. Spring break has come and gone, administering a dose of reality to many upperclassmen still in denial; did you really think that your thesis (or JP) wouldn't creep up to torment you for the weeks preceding its deadline? If you can, take a momentary escape from the harsh reality of major deadlines, summer internships and the fact that this semester is racing too quickly to its end. Try this surreal life on for size: travel to Philadelphia, run up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum Rocky-style (you know you want to), and enter another world surreal in its own right — the exhibition of Salvador Dalí's artwork.

In case it isn't clear, Dalí is the guy that painted all of those weird, surrealistic images that adorn the walls of many angst-filled college students' dorms.

The Dalí Exhibit will be housed by The Philadelphia Museum of Art until May 15, 2005. The exhibit celebrates the centennial of Dalí's birth by bringing over 200 of Dalí's works to the United States for the first time ever. The special exhibition will return to its home in Spain after its run in Philadelphia. Therefore, going to Philadelphia is your only opportunity to see the exhibit this side of the Atlantic.

The exhibit showcases biographical information on Dalí's birth and long career, his significant influence on Surrealist painting and his artistic endeavors in other mediums, including theater design, filmmaking and literature. Also on view are two of the Museum's own holdings, "Agnostic Symbol," 1932, and "Soft Construction with Boiled Beans" (Premonition of Civil), 1936. The museum boasts of its own holdings because these two paintings are considered to be two of Dalí's most important paintings.

Whether you can spare a surrealist escape before your pending deadline, or you choose to use a surrealist escape as a post-deadline reward, go to Philadelphia and see this exhibit. Go out on a whim and explore the city as well. Philadelphia is thriving with exciting new clubs and restaurants. Some restaurants in the city even offer special Dalí inspired dishes and drinks.

You can make a day of your Dalí exhibit visit, and wine and dine in surreal style. Just be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time online or by phone. A limited number of tickets are issued each day, and the exhibit has been regularly selling out in advance, especially on the weekends. Student tickets are $12-$17, depending on when day you visit. More information is available at www.philamuseum.org.