Museums in Reykjavík

National Museum of Iceland 

Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavik 

Tel.: 532 2000 

www.nationalmuseum.is  / nationalmuseum@nationalmuseum.is   

The role of the National Museum is varied, reflecting its legal obligation as national center for the preservation and management of cultural heritage, cultural research programs and promulgation of knowledge and information which relates to the cultural heritage of the nation. 

Culture House 

Hverfisgata 15, 101 Reykjavik 

Tel: 530 2210 

www.culturehouse.is / thjodminjasafn@thjodminjasafn.is    

Open daily from 10:00 – 17:00 

Points of View is a unique exhibition as it focuses not on art or history separately but is rather an exploration of the aesthetic vision of Iceland and Icelanders through the years. The exhibition is not chronological, but instead mixes modern art and media with historical artefacts, photographs, documents, and other objects, and the result is a unique snapshot of the cultural history of Iceland. 

The exhibition is a collaboration between six Icelandic cultural institutions, The National Museum of Iceland, The National Gallery of Iceland, The National Library of Iceland, The Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies, The National Archives, and The Museum of Natural History. 

Árbær Open Air Museum 

Kistuhylur 4, 110 Reykjavik 

Tel.: 411 6320 

www.minjasafnreykjavikur.is / minjasafn@reykjavik.is 

Daily guided tours at 13:00 (1pm) 

Árbær Open Air Museum tries to give a sense of the architecture and way of life and lifestyles of the past in Reykjavík and during summer visitors can see domestic animals. There are many exhibitions and events held at the Museum which highlight specific periods in Reykjavik’s history. These include craft days, vintage car displays, Christmas exhibitions and much more. There is something for everyone at Árbær Open Air Museum. 

Saga Museum 

Grandagarði 2, 101 Reykjavik 

Tel.: 511 1517 / 694 3096 

www.sagamuseum.is / info@sagamuseum.is  

A close encounter with the most historical figures and major events in the Icelandic history. 

A Viking Museum that intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history, moments that have determined the fate of our people and which give a compelling view into how Icelanders have lived for more than a millennium. From the time of the earliest settlers, history is brought to life in a unique and exciting way, with life-like wax wax figurines.  At the museum you will find many of the legends from the Icelandic sagas, historical figures like Snorri Sturlusson, Ingolfur Arnarson and Leifur Eiriksson. Learn about the disastrous Black death, the most devastating pandemics in human history, requiring anything between 75 to 200 million people. There are 17 exhibits on display today. 

Vikin Maritime Museum 

Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavik 

Tel.: 517 9400 

www.sjominjasafn.is / sjominjasafn@sjominjasafn.is  

Víkin – Reykjavík Maritime Museum is housed in a newly renovated former fish factory. Located by Reykjavík’s old harbour, a pleasant stroll from the city centre. 

The museum’s varied exhibitions show the development of the Icelandic fish industry and coast culture through the years. 

The Coast Guard Ship Óðinn (probably Iceland’s largest historical relic!) is docked next to the museum. Óðinn served in all three Cod Wars during the last century and played an important role in rescue work at sea. Other ships of historical significance, such as Iceland’s first steel ship Magni, lie by the museum docks for guests to explore. 

Art Museums in Reykjavík

National Gallery of Iceland 

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101 Reykjavik 

Tel.: 515 9600 

www.listasafn.is / list@listasafn.is  

For those who are passionate about paintings and other works of art, the National Gallery of Iceland has a wealth of valuable artworks on display, with various exhibitions by both foreign and Icelandic artists. 

The main emphasis of the collection is on 19th and 20th century Icelandic art, but international art is also featured. The museum owns the most valuable collection of works by Icelandic artists in the country, including some works by internationally renowned artists. There is no permanent exhibition on display, but rather a rotation of works owned by the gallery. 

The National Gallery of Iceland was founded in 1884 in Copenhagen, Denmark, by Björn Bjarnarson.  The Museum remained an independent institution from its inception in 1884 until 1916 when Alþingi – the Icelandic Parliament – decided to make it a department in the National Heritage Museum (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands). In 1928 a law was passed in Alþingi on the Council of Culture and under that law the National Gallery came under the supervision of said council. 

The collection was on show at the Alþingishús – the House of Parliament, i.e. in the building itself – from 1885 until the year 1950 when it was transferred to the building of the Þjóðminjasafn Íslands at Sudurgata. There, the collection was formally opened to the public in 1951 and in 1961 a law was passed, making the Museum fully independent. 

In 1987 the collection was moved yet again to a new and the present location at Fríkirkjuvegur 7. The main building was originally erected as a freezing plant in the year 1916, designed by the renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The later addition to the building is the work of architect Garðar Halldórsson. 

Guided tours in sign language and interpretation are offered by arrangement. Every effort is made to accommodate individuals and groups with special needs. Access for disabled persons is excellent. 

Hafnarhus 

Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavik 

Tel.: +354 411 6410 

www.artmuseum.is / listasafn@reykjavik.is  

Hafnarhus, located in downtown Reykjavik, serves as the Reykjavik Art Museum’s institute of contemporary art. New developments in art are explored through diverse exhibitions of Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by the Pop artist Erró is a permanent feature. Hafnarhús has a restaurant with a beautiful view over the harbour. There is a selection of foreign and local newspapers, art magazines and professional journals. The Hafnarhús shop offers local and foreign books about works of art and exhibition programmes, published by the museum, in addition to postcards and art posters. 

Kjarvalsstadir 

Flókagata, 105 Reykjavik 

Tel.: +354 517 1290 

www.artmuseum.is/kjarvalsstadir / listasafn@reykjavik.is  

Admission: 

Children (0 – 17 year) Free of charge 

Adults ISK 2.150 

Opening hours: 

Daily 10:00 – 17:00 (10am – 5pm) 

Kjarvalsstaðir is mainly devoted to paintings and sculpture by well-established Icelandic and international artists. It offers a permanent exhibition of key works by one of Iceland’s most beloved landscape painters, Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885–1972), as well as changing exhibitions that explore various thematic and historical aspects of Icelandic art. Kjarvalsstaðir has a bright and spacious restaurant with a wonderful view of the museum grounds (Miklatún). The Kjarvalsstaðir shop offers books and exhibition catalogues in English about Icelandic art, in addition to postcards and art posters. 

Asmundarsafn 

Sigtún 

Tel.: +354 411 6430 

www.listasafnreykjavikur.is/en/asmundarsafn / artmuseum@reykjavik.is  

The Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum is dedicated to the works of sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982). Opened in 1983, the collection is housed in a unique building designed and constructed mostly by the artist himself from 1942-1950, drawing on architectural ideas from the Mediterranean, the domed buildings of the Middle East, and the pyramids of Egypt. The original building served Sveinsson as studio and home; behind it he built a crescent-shaped structure as a work- and exhibition space. Architect Mannfreð Vilhjálmsson designed the addition that now joins the crescent-shaped and original buildings.  A sculpture garden surrounds the Museum, adorned with nearly thirty of the artist’s sculptures.  

Ásmundur Sveinsson was a pioneer of sculpture in Iceland. He found his inspiration in the Icelandic landscape, literature, and people. The central features of the collection are massive, powerful and sometimes provocative works in praise of the Icelandic common people, folktales and nature. 

Interactive Museums

Whales of Iceland 

Fiskislóð 23-25 – Reykjavík 101 

Tel.: (+354) 571 0077 

www.whalesoficeland.is / info@whalesoficeland.is  

The Whales of Iceland museum consists of 23 life sized models of the various whale species found in Icelandic waters. Inside, we have an amazing blue whale, a spectacular sperm whale, the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, and many more! Short of strapping into scuba gear, this is the closest most will get to these majestic creatures. Each whale was modeled after an actual individual in the wild and features their personal markings and characteristics. The models are soft, squishy and fun to touch! 

With interactive information stands and videos, surrounded by soothing whale sounds and underwater ambient lighting, Whales of Iceland is a dreamy, underwater adventure for the whole family. 

Aurora Reykjavík 

Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík​ 

Tel: +354 780 4500 

www.aurorareykjavik.is / info@aurorareykjavik.is  

We are hunters of an elusive subject called Aurora Borealis. 

We created Aurora Reykjavik to share our passion and knowledge about the most unique natural phenomenon in the world. This museum was the dream of four people, and the wonders here are the work of many. 

We have traveled the entire world chasing the light, but our adventures have always brought us home.  

Perlan 

Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík 

Tel.: +354 566 9000 

www.perlan.is/en / info@perlan.is  

Perlan is a world-class Exploratorium where you learn all about Icelandic nature. Scientific wonders come alive all-around visitors; northern lights, glaciers, volcanoes, ocean-life, seabirds, and so much more. You explore a real ice cave, sit back in a first-class Planetarium, have fun with interactive exhibits, and enjoy 360° views over Reykjavik. 

Highlights of Perlan 

• Planetarium with a northern light show 
• Real indoor ice cave, 100-meter long 
• Modern nature exhibitions and interactive exhibits 
• Látrabjarg Cliff with lifelike birds, 10-meter high 
• 360° observation deck 
• Restaurant and cafe with great views 
• Ice cream parlour with homemade ice cream