The Dali Museum’s executive director has been granted an honor fit for a king – or in this case, an honor bestowed by a king. Hank Hine, Ph.D., the executive director of The Dalí Museum, has just been honored by Spain’s King Felipe VI with the Order of Isabel la Católica, one of the highest possible civilian honors in the country.

This award recognizes Hine’s contributions to building culture and international understanding, and it’s certainly no surprise, given what the museum has accomplished. Under Hine’s leadership, The Dalí Museum has become a world-renowned architectural masterpiece that displays a world-class collection of Spanish art, food, and culture to millions of visitors from around the globe. And of course, the centerpiece of the museum, Salvador Dali himself, was from Spain. In fact, the St. Pete museum is the largest collection of Dali’s works outside of his home country.

Presented by His Excellency Santiago Cabanas, the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, on behalf of His Majesty King Felipe VI, Hine received the award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 20 at the Ambassador’s residence.

“The Order of Isabella the Catholic is bestowed on individuals who have distinguished themselves for their work in promoting and reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Spain and the rest of the nations of the world. Hank Hine has done just that, with great accomplishment,” Cabanas said. “As director of The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, Hank Hine has brought Spanish culture to the wider public through the work and life of Dalí. We thank Hank for that.”

Hine was inducted into Spain’s Order of Isabel la Católica at the rank of Commander, a high rank of the prestigious Spanish civil order. This award is no small feat, with other notable members of the Order including Nelson Mandela, Eva Perón, Prince Harry, and Plácido Domingo.

In his acceptance address, Hine expressed that the award was may have his name on it, but that it was truly being conferred on an entire community. He recognized all those who welcomed The Dalí to St. Petersburg – the founders, staff, trustees, and volunteers whose embrace of the power of art propelled all the Museum’s achievements.

Under Hine’s leadership for more than two decades, The Dalí now welcomes as many as 400,000 visitors annually to the Museum, alongside hundreds of compelling educational programs and community events. And, through The Dalí’s Innovation Lab, which Hine co-directs, the Museum connects with the business community to teach Dalí’s methodologies in creativity and innovation.

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