The budget in the title refers to the cost of the exhibition ticket. Additional expenses will be required for food and beverages.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Surrealist Manifesto, and many exhibitions related to Surrealism are being held. For fans of Surrealism, this is a truly delightful time.
I recently learned about an exhibition of Dalí's prints in honor of his 120th birth anniversary, so I made my way to the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum. The title, "Imagination of the Fantastic," was fitting, and I fully enjoyed the bizarre world Dalí had created.
Drawn into Dalí's Manifested Mind
Photography was prohibited inside the exhibition room, so I can’t share images of the exhibits. However, if you know Dalí's works, you can imagine what it was like.
Absorbed into Dante's "Divine Comedy"
The poet Dante's "Divine Comedy" consists of 34 cantos in the Inferno, and 33 cantos each in Purgatorio and Paradiso. The exhibition features all 100 illustrations that accompany each canto.
Some of the illustrations are unmistakably Dalí, while others wouldn’t seem connected to him if judged by the style of lines or color alone. As you walk through the exhibition, you are swayed by the ebb and flow of the narrative.
One of the highlights was seeing the steps involved in creating the "Paradiso 3: Piccarda Donati" print. Many people have probably tried their hand at printmaking in art classes, but the number of steps involved in creating a colored print was beyond my imagination—it was astonishingly intricate.
Motifs from Japanese Folktales
Although Dalí's main activities were centered in Europe, where Western motifs dominate, I was surprised to see something familiar. When I checked the title, it was "Hanasaka Jiisan" (The Old Man Who Made Flowers Bloom)! What a surprise to encounter it here! There was also a piece titled "Rokujizo" based on the Kasa Jizo folktale.
In addition, there were many portraits of painters Dalí admired and works close to Dalí's own imagery. The exhibition was organized according to published collections, making it feel as if Dalí's brain was the earth, traveling the world.
Sculptures at a Print Exhibition?
Although it’s billed as a "print exhibition," it wasn’t just prints on display—six sculptures, including "The Rhino of the Skies" and "Venus de Milo with Drawers," were also featured. The sculptures exude Dalí’s peculiar worldview, drawing you into a different realm from his prints.
Two Museum Shops: Temporary and Permanent
I casually opened a book on a sofa in the exhibition room and discovered it was the exhibition catalog! Of course, it contains the exhibited works, and it's an interesting read. I had to buy it!
While I only purchased the official catalog, the temporary shop offers a wide variety of items, from T-shirts and tote bags to Western art-inspired goods. Since the temporary shop only accepts cash, it’s a good idea to come prepared.
As I passed by the permanent shop, I noticed some familiar items—aren't these from Morohashi Museum of Modern Art?! Perhaps because it's a Dalí exhibition, the shop featured goods from Morohashi Museum too.
Take a Break at the Museum Café After a High-Calorie Exhibition
The Shinano Art Cafe is on the third floor, above the exhibition rooms. You can reach it via the stairs next to the temporary shop or by elevator.
The glass walls let in plenty of light, and with the clear weather, the blue sky and greenery sparkled—I was so glad I came!
Feeling a little hungry, I ordered Shinshu Beef Croquettes and beer. It takes about four minutes for the croquettes to be served, which means they’re freshly fried, right?! Perfect!!
The beer, being a Weizen, had a fruity and floral taste with subdued bitterness, making it wonderfully smooth and easy to drink. On a hot day, it was refreshing!
Look at this! Freshly fried and piping hot! The potatoes are creamy, and the Shinshu beef flavor is packed in tightly. This is a win!
The Stunning View from the Terrace
Located near Zenkoji Temple, you can see the temple path, with mountains and blue skies extending beyond it. What a view—this place is fantastic…
Attending an Incredibly Informative Special Lecture—For Free?
The day I visited, there was a special lecture event. I hadn’t checked in advance, so I didn’t know about it, but as I was enjoying my croquettes and beer, there was an announcement that same-day tickets were available. I had time and wanted to attend, so I headed to the venue and registered.
That day, the lecture was titled "Dalí, Surrealism, and Japan," given by the director of the Mie Prefectural Art Museum. He was involved in the "Surrealism and Japan" exhibition held in the spring, making this his area of expertise. He provided detailed insights into how Dalí became known in Japan and how he influenced contemporary Japanese art.
Getting There: Bus or Train from Nagano Station—Bus is Easier!
From the East Exit bus stop at Nagano Station, take a bus toward Zenkoji Temple. Get off at either Zenkoji Kita or Shiroyama Koen Mae—either stop will put you right there. You’ll see the modern glass building of Nagano Prefectural Art Museum as soon as you get off.
I tried to use an IC card to board, but it wouldn’t work. A local told me, "You can’t use that unless you’re a Nagano resident," so I took a ticket and boarded. I accidentally went one stop too far and got off at Fukadakuchi. The fare was 560 yen—be sure to bring cash.
You can also walk from Zenkoji-shita Station on the Nagano Dentetsu Line, but it’s about a 15-minute walk, so the bus might be more convenient.
While Dalí’s oil paintings are often characterized by bold compositions, his prints have a softer image. As you let yourself be swept away by the surreal, distorted sensations, why not fully immerse yourself in Dalí's world?
And by the way, museums in summer are cool! I highly recommend visiting as a summer destination.
