Glass is the dominant element in the new building. Designed by architect Yann Weymouth of global architectural firm HOK, the building is a hurricane proof structure designed to withstand the winds of a Category 5 storm.
Able to withstand 165 mph winds, the roof of the building is 12-inch thick solid concrete. The walls are also 18-inches thick. The glass, which makes up big sections of the exterior of the museum, can hold up to a category 3 hurricane.
The entire art of the building is housed on the second and third floors, above the nearly 30-feet storm surge of a Category 5 hurricane. According to the architect, the building is designed in such a way that even if the glass breaks, the art will still be safe. Storm doors will shield the galleries on the third floor, and the vault, which is on the second floor. The data and security systems are also protected against a Category 5 hurricane.
The winding and bending structure will house the largest collection of Dali art outside Spain, his native country. It is scheduled to open on 11 January 2011.
The Salvador Dali Museum decided to renovate its current facility, a converted warehouse that is home to the Dali art since 1982, primarily to protect the works of art from washing away. Florida is a hurricane-prone area.
