Born in Figueras, Spain, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid. He then moved to Paris. He joined the Surrealists in 1928 and he became one of the leading figures of the movement. He made a study of abnormal psychology and dream symbolism. This became a major theme in his work.

In 1940 he settled in the USA and became a Roman Catholic. He then devoted his painting to religious symbolism. Dali married the Russian aristocrat called Gala and doted on her. However, he was mainly interested in men. One of his lovers was Carlos Lozano. Federico Garcia Lorca was also his lover at one point.

The museum dedicated to his work, situated above the hills in Torre Galatea, is one of the most visited in Spain. A permanent exhibition, called the Salvador Dali Universe, opened on 25th. May, 2000 at County Hall, London.