PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Signs that Salvador Dali is about to take over Philadelphia are popping up everywhere. In the city's 30th Street Station, massive banners and posters bearing the artist's likeness adorn its walls, floors and platforms. And that's only the beginning. Slowly, the entire City of Philadelphia is being transformed into a surreal setting to promote the landmark retrospective Salvador Dali exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from February 16 through May 15, 2005. Soon, a giant likeness of Salvador Dali's face will be installed on the famed steps of the art museum. The city's hotels, shops, restaurants and other businesses will get into the act too with specially decorated trolleys, banners and balloons; Dali-related restaurant menus; and lavishly decorated retail window displays - all in an effort to create Surreal Philadelphia: The Dali Experience. (Some in the city are even calling the Philadelphia Eagles' fourth bid for the National Football Conference championship on Sunday a surreal event.)

Advanta, the exhibition's sponsor, is taking a lead role in making the project a city-wide celebration. In addition to hosting special events throughout the run of the exhibition at various Center City locations, the company has also created the Advanta Dali Deals Surreal Saver Card to provide premium discounts at more than 150 of the city's restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. The card is available for free at brochure racks and tourist attractions throughout the region. Many of the participating restaurants and bars will serve Dali-related drinks and menus, such as The Vertigo, a hot alcoholic beverage with whipped cream, at Twenty Manning and the Four Seasons Fountain Restaurant's Surreal Meal. Retailers will get creative too as Joan Shepp and others create lavish Dali-themed window displays.

To fully enjoy the celebration, visitors to Philadelphia are encouraged to take advantage of special Dali hotel packages, including overnight accommodations for two and two VIP (untimed) tickets to the exhibition, at 12 properties throughout the city. And to increase savings for consumers, Amtrak will offer a special discount on travel to Philadelphia on Northeast Corridor routes.