Salvador Dali Triumphant Elephant installed in Rundle Mall for 12 months

Rundle Mall’s famous pigs have a new rival. A seven-metre $3m bronze sculpture by surrealist artist Salvador Dali is taking up temporary residence in the shopping strip.

Rundle Mall’s prized pigs are being upstaged by the arrival of legendary surrealist artist Salvador Dali’s Triumphant Elephant.

Valued at more than $3m and carrying a trumpeting angel, the seven-metre, three-tonne bejewelled bronze elephant has mosquito-like legs.

The world-famous sculpture, which daliparis.com says “exemplifies every individual’s hope for abundance and good fortune in the future”, is taking up temporary residence at the eastern end of the mall, near Smiggle and Kikki K, for the next twelve months.

It is the second time Triumphant Elephant has been on display in Australia, the first being when it was at d’Arenberg Cube as part of an ongoing Dali exhibition on loan from Dali Universe in Switzerland.

Salvador Dalí art exhibition until May 31 at d’Arenberg Winery

The move to the mall is the result of a partnership between that company, the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), the d’Arenberg Cube and Art Evolution, which curated the exhibition at the McLaren Vale attraction.

“Adelaide is a world-renowned city of art and so it makes sense for us to be the first capital city in Australia to display this magnificent sculpture,” Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said.

Dalí Universe international project manager James Sanders said Dali, who died in 1989 in his native Spain, loved seeing his works in unexpected locations.

SA Winemaker Chester Osborn with the Salvador Dalí bronze Triumphant Elephant sculpture in Rundle Mall. Picture: Emma Brasier

“Traditionally, original monumental Dalí sculptures are exhibited in cities such as Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Singapore,” Mr Sanders said.

“We’re delighted with this collaboration and to share Dali’s work with the people of South Australia.”

AEDA chairwoman Nikki Govan said the public artwork, which is free to view, would “delight” adults and children.

“When Triumphant Elephant was on show on Rodeo Drive, it drew enormous interest and we’re sure it will fast become another drawcard in Rundle Mall,” she said.

Another of Dali’s works on display at the d’Arenberg Cube, the Dance of Time II sculpture – a 600kg, 1.5m melting clock – is relocating to Adelaide Airport.

It and Triumphant Elephant will be replaced at the d’Arenburg Cube by Dali’s Space Venus and Dalinian Dancer.