The Most Popular Art Museums In Reykjavik
There’s an abundance of Icelandic art to explore in Reykjavik, including vibrant street art. And here’s a bonus: city cardholders can enjoy free entry to many of the city’s exhibitions.
Reykjavik Art Museum.
Reykjavik Art Museum steals the show with its three distinct buildings scattered throughout the city. These museums primarily feature works by Icelandic artists, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s culture. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
Hafnarhús
Situated near the old harbor, this building, once a fishing warehouse, is the most renowned of the three. It serves as a permanent home for the works of Erró, one of Iceland’s most celebrated artists.
Kjarvalsstaðir
Dedicated to Jóhannes S. Kjarval, an Icelandic painter who began his career as a fisherman, this museum showcases his artistic journey influenced by eclectic and experimental themes during his studies in Copenhagen.
Ásmundarsafn:
he works of Ásmundur Sveinsson, a sculptor with a belief that art should be accessible to all, take center stage here. His pieces can be found not only within the museum but also in public spaces like parks throughout Reykjavik.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re still craving art, Reykjavik has other remarkable exhibitions worth exploring.
The Einar Jónsson Museum
The museum boasts a sculpture garden and gallery, with Einar Jónsson’s unique artworks, some of which took over 10 years to complete.
The National Gallery of Iceland
It primarily focuses on Icelandic art from the 20th and 21st centuries but also houses an impressive collection of Danish artwork.
Marshall House
The museum stands out as a captivating and refreshing museum, combining art exhibitions with alternative music and film screenings.
The Nordic House
Next, we have The Nordic House. This gallery, fused with a bistro, strengthens bonds with other Nordic countries through meet and greets, screenings, and art exhibitions. It’s also home to the Reykjavik International Film Festival.
Reykjavik Museum of Photography.
The Guardian called this one of the best free museums in Europe, which is quite a feat (although there’s now a small entry fee, we can’t really complain). It has joined forces with the Maritime Museum, the Settlement Museum, and the Open Air Museum for past exhibitions.
For more Icelandic art, we need to mention two other important museums:
The Hafnarborg Gallery
It opened its doors in the 80s. This cultural gallery promotes Icelandic pride and celebrates the country’s landscape and identity.
Gerðarsafn
Lastly, we have Gerðarsafn, which focuses on highlighting modern and contemporary artists, showcasing over 4250 artworks.
Clearly, the Icelandic art in Reykjavik varies. Everyone will find something to their liking, even those who don’t usually gravitate towards art.
Which one was the most interesting for you? Let us know in the comment sections down below ☺
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