Salvador Dali Museum Opens to Florida Fanfare

Economic Recovery Includes Warhol


The US has been experiencing signs of financial recovery in the past few quarters, including positive employment gains and increased consumer confidence. There is still a long way to go until full recovery, but it is encouraging news.

Another economic recovery sign can be seen in rising prices in the art world. Reuters News Service reported that the famous Andy Warhol painting of Mao Zedong, through which actor Dennis Hopper shot two bullets, sold at Christie’s on Tuesday for $302,500. The selling price was greater than ten times the original estimate.

The Warhol was included in an auction in California of Hopper’s personal effects and pieces of his art collection. The estimated value for the portrait was between $20,000 and $30,000.



Salvador Dali Museum Opens to Florida Fanfare

In other art industry recovery news, the new Salvador Dali Museum opened its doors in St. Petersburg, Florida. The $36 million building features over 100 priceless pieces by the eclectic artist.

The museum took 14 years to come together from idea to ribbon cutting. Touted as a prime new tourist attraction for the Tampa Bay area, the museum hopes to attract a diverse audience in the unique space. "We overcame the difficulty of the economic times," said former St. Petersburg Mayor Bob Ulrich. "What you see before you today is the symbol of a resolute will of this community to create a world class art museum for a world class art collection."