The Reykjavik Art Museum’s, Asmundarsafn celebrates the work of pioneering sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson, who took his inspiration from the country’s people, folklore and landscape.
Asmundarsafn museum opened in 1983. The museum is dedicated to the works of Asmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982). Asmundur was an Icelandic sculptor, born at Kolsstadir in West Iceland. Visitors can see his work can be seen all around Reykjavik, like in front of the University of Iceland or Perlan. His themes often depicted men and women at work, but as he grew older he moved away from the human and animal form and by the 1950’s his work was almost entirely abstract. Additionally, some of his works draw inspiration from Icelandic sagas.
The museum actually houses its collection in the artist’s home and studio, a really unique building and a landmark of Reykjavik. Asmundur donated it to Reykjavik City along with a large collection of his work.
Asmundarsafn Museum regularly holds exhibitions of Asmundur’s work along with exhibitions of works by other artists. In particular, some these works have connections to Asmundur’s work. Moreover, an elegant sculpture garden surrounds the museum, featuring around 30 sculptures by Asmundur.
Asmundur mostly designed the building himself in the years 1942-59. He built the curved building behind the house that was conceived both as a studio and exhibition space. The architect Mannfred Vilhjalmsson later designed the extension connecting the main building and the curved building. The building’s design draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, the round houses of the Arab world, and Egypt’s pyramids.
Opening hours
May-September: 10am – 17 (5pm)
October-April: 13-17 (1pm – 5pm)
The admission ticket is valid for 24 hours and also gives you access to Hafnarhusid (Harbour House) in the city center and Kjarvalsstadir museum.
Where is Asmundarsafn museum?
Asmundarsafn is located in Sigtun in Laugardalur valley.
GPS: 64.141631 N, -21.885167 W
