They say that elephants never forget. Nor will you forget your visit to McLaren Vale, with a giant new mammalian visitor posted at the entrance of d’Arenberg’s Cube to welcome you.

The Triumphant Elephant is the newest addition to the Salvador Dali surrealist exhibition at The Cube. Unveiled on 31 October, the six-metre tall sculpture weighs three tonnes, and is priced at around $3 million, pushing the total value of the sculptures on display to around $9 million.

The exhibition and sale features 23 authentic Salvador Dali bronze sculptures and graphic artworks. Also on display are paintings by Australia’s own surrealist Charles Billich, whose artworks hang in the Vatican, The White House and the United Nations.

The popular exhibition has already been extended, and is currently scheduled to wind up on 31 May, 2020.

The Salvador Dalí sculpture collection has been exhibited in major cities and museums worldwide and is on loan from the Dalí Universe in Switzerland, owners of the largest collection of Salvador Dalí sculptures in the world. The Dalí Universe hold exhibitions internationally and also manage the Dali Paris visitor museum in Montmartre, Paris. 

The Triumphant Elephant is certainly not your average pachyderm, with its spindly, mosquito-like legs. 

According to daliparis.com, Dali’s elephants are often depicted in this way, “emphasising the contrast between robustness and fragility, much like the contrast between the past and modernity”.

“The animal’s jewelled saddle symbolises wealth, and the dawn of a new era is announced by a flying angel, trumpeting success and prosperity,” the website explains.

“Dalí’s elephant exemplifies every individual’s hope for abundance and good fortune in the future.”

The elephant was one of Dali’s favourite images. 

At The Cube, the Triumphant Elephant has taken up residence next to a giant version of Dali’s sculpture, Nobility of Time, featuring one of the artist’s iconic melting watches. There are several of these included in the exhibition. 

Spanish artist Salvador Dalí (1904 –1989) is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th Century. His work was synonymous with the surrealist movement and his talent included sculptures, paintings, jewellery and film.

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of Salvador Dali's passing in 1989. 

Tickets to the Salvador Dali surrealist exhibition cost $25pp, which includes general admission to the d'Arenberg Cube. There are discounts available if you’ve booked to dine at one of winery's restaurants, or if you’re doing a wine masterclass. 

For tickets and more information, click here.