Not surprising, attendance was way off at the Dali Museum as a result of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Because the museum was within the race confines, would-be patrons had to pay for both the Grand Prix as well as Dali admissions. As a result, not many did. (The museum went from a record-setting, single-day attendance of 3,000 a few days ago to several hundred during the race.) Plus the ambience had to be less than aesthetic.
Obviously, this won’t do, and next year will be different. The museum has already indicated that shutting down for that period is an option. Which would be a shame. March is prime time.
But given that the Grand Prix and the Dali are downtown St. Pete’s biggest visitor magnets, an effort should–and hopefully will–be made to market the two jointly. Given that the Dali does afford an air-conditioned view of the race, why not shamelessly play off of it? Dress it up and have it catered. Line up local celebs across the sports/entertainment spectrum to work the crowd. Maybe require the winner to come by for a cameo. Kick back a percentage of the take to charity. Market it as the ultimate venue. Cachet for more of your cash. “Vroom With a View.”
Gimmicky self promotion? Of course. But among those who would understand–and approve: Salvador Dali.