Top 12 Art Museums and Galleries in Reykjavik

• See Also: Tjörnin | The Pond in Reykjavik

12. Hofudstodin Art and Culture Center

On the edge of the beautiful Ellidaardalur valley in Reykjavik, you'll find Hofudstodin. It's housed in an old military bomb storage hut from the second world war, which has been transformed into a thriving art and culture center, just a 10-minute drive from the city center!

It's the home to the work of leading contemporary artist Hrafnhildur Arnardottir, also known as Shoplifter. Most notably, it houses the acclaimed multi-sensory installation Chromo Sapiens which was originally made for the Icelandic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2019.

The piece consists of three caves made with colorful synthetic fur which surrounds the guests. The experience is paired with soundscapes created by the Icelandic band HAM, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Guests are invited to walk through the cave and relax while exploring their inner selves, and once they've exited, they have transformed from homo sapiens into Chromo Sapiens.

Inside the Chromo Sapiens installation by Shoplifter.

A visit to Hofudstodin offers a unique artistic experience, so it's definitely worth taking the time to check out. There's also a very nice café at the location with views of the surrounding greenery, and the exhibition store has pieces designed by the artist, as well as her collaborations with different brands. It's most convenient to reach the location by rental car but it's also possible by city bus.

Hofudstodin
- Address: Rafstodvavegur 1a, 110 Reykjavik
- Open: Weekdays from 10 AM - 6 PM, Weekends from 11 AM - 5 PM

 11. Gerdarsafn

The Gerdarsafn Art Museum is located in Kopavogur, Iceland's second-largest municipality and just a 15-minute drive from central Reykjavik. It features temporary exhibitions showcasing modern and contemporary art by both Icelandic and international artists.

The museum is dedicated to the memory of Gerdur Helgadottir (1928-1975), an influential Icelandic sculptor. She was known for her large abstract artwork and especially for working with rougher materials than women generally did at her time, like metal, clay, and concrete.

She also worked with mosaics and glass, and you can see her work on the outside of the Tollhusid Revenue and Customs building at Tryggvagata street, located next to the Reykjavik Art Museum. She also made stained glass windows for the nearby Kopavogur church and Hallgrimskirkja church.

During your visit, you'll be able to see some of Gerdur's work, along with works of Barbara Arnason, Magnus A. Arnason, and a donated collection from the art instructor, Valgerdur Briem. The museum's temporary exhibitions also feature other new and established artists.

The museum offers an array of educational programs, workshops, and family-friendly activities designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in children and young people. They also have a special creative space meant for families where you can create your own art during your visit!

They have a nice gift shop with items related to the art on display, as well as jewelry, decor, household items, books, and much more. After your visit, you'll be able to unwind in the cozy café on the bottom floor, with a view over a small park.

Gerdarsafn is part of the Kopavogur Culture Houses, which also include a Natural Science Exhibition located next door, in the same building as the Kopavogur Library.

Gerdarsafn
- Address: Hamraborg 4, 200 Kopavogur
- Open: Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

10. The Nordic House

The Nordic House in Reykjavik is a cultural venue that aims to foster collaboration and promote cultural exchange between Iceland and its fellow Nordic countries. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a wide range of events, including film screenings, seminars, and theatre performances. They also host regular art exhibitions from international artists, so make sure to check out what events they have going on during your stay in Iceland!

The institution is also involved in various cultural festivals, such as Design March and the Reykjavik Arts Festival. It has been a chosen venue for numerous cultural events as well, such as the Iceland Airwaves music festival and the Reykjavik International Film Festival, further cementing its role as a vital cultural hub in the city!

One of the Nordic House's most notable features is its distinctive architecture. Designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the building is a prime example of Nordic modernism, with clean lines, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The large windows and skylights fill the interior with natural light, creating an inviting and tranquil atmosphere. Inside, the Nordic House features elegant Aalto-designed furnishings, as well as an Aalto-suspended light installation, adding to the building's unique look.

On top of that, The Nordic House also has a great Nordic library and restaurant, Sono, featuring vegetarian and vegan dishes. Their menu is based on fresh seasonal ingredients and changes regularly.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Ray Swi-hymn. No edits made.

The Nordic House is located by the Vatnsmyri nature reserve, an area of marshland that runs into the Tjornin pond. Great efforts have been made by the city of Reykjavik, the Nordic House, and the nearby University of Iceland to protect nesting birds and preserve the fragile ecosystem in the marshes.

There is a walking path you can take to view the area, complete with multiple information signs. Just make sure to be respectful of the wildlife and nature. The path connects to the center of Reykjavik through the Hljomskalagardurinn park, making it a nice addition to your exploration of the city!

The Nordic House
- Address: Saemundargata 11, 101 Reykjavik
- Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM. Closed on Mondays

9. Hafnarborg Center of Culture and Fine Art    

The Hafnarborg Center for Culture and Fine Art is located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, nestled in the charming town of Hafnarfjordur. It stands as a vibrant cultural institution dedicated to the promotion of local artists, providing them with an opportunity to share their creativity with a wider audience.

The art center was founded in 1983 when husband and wife Sverrir Magnusson and Ingibjorg Sigurjonsdottir gave their house and private art collection to the town of Hafnarfjordur. The gift had the condition that their house would be used as a cultural center for art. In the following years, their house was extended and renovated into an art center, and in 1988 Hafnarborg opened its doors to the public.

Hafnarborg hosts between eight and ten temporary exhibitions per year that focus on works by established artists and by up-and-comers. It's part of the art center's philosophy to display new art and to be an inspiring and stimulating place for guests. Therefore, themes and art mediums are very diverse, so make sure to check out the exhibition schedule during your trip!

When your visit, you will find a small exhibition room by the entrance. This area is often used to host work by specific artists that want to display their collections. The main exhibition space is on the second floor.

There you will find larger exhibitions, often featuring multiple artists or art forms. You can also still see the walls and windows of Sverrir's and Ingibjorg's living room, as they are often utilized to create separation between different artists, types of art forms, or themes within exhibitions.

In addition to its exhibitions and collections, the Hafnarborg Art Center offers a diverse program of events and educational activities designed to engage a wide audience. These include artist talks, workshops, guided tours, and even concerts! Each provides visitors with the opportunity to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of art and connect with the local creative community.

The center also has a nice museum shop where you can get art books and souvenirs that relate to Icelandic art. There's also a restaurant in the building, Krydd, that offers a diverse menu and great cocktails!

A visit to Hafnarborg also offers a chance to explore the town of Hafnarfjordur. The art center is located along the old main street, close to shops, cafés, and restaurants. It's also a 10-minute walk from the charming Hafnarfjordur Museum, which showcases artifacts donated by locals that tell the history of the town.

Hafnarborg
- Address: Strandgata 34, 220 Hafnarfjordur
- Open: Wednesday to Monday from 12 PM - 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays

8. Reykjavik Museum of Photography

The Reykjavik Museum of Photography is located on the top floor of the same building that houses the Reykjavik City Library. It's dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Icelandic and international photography, spanning from the early days of photography to the present.

It's conveniently located in the center of Reykjavik, next to the Reykjavik Art Museum, and it's also part of the Reykjavik City Museum Collective, which includes some of the best museums in the city!

The museum's amazing collection offers insight into the history and development of Iceland, told by those who lived through it and documented it. A large part of their collection has also been made available in a photography database on their website that anyone can explore!

Exhibitions are varied, and they aim to show both historical and contemporary photography focusing on artistic, social, and historical subjects compiled by professional and amateur photographers. They're generally temporary and change multiple times per year, so make sure to keep an eye on what's on offer during your trip to Iceland.

They also host the annual exhibition of 'Photograph of the Year,' where press photography of each previous year is displayed. It's usually hosted around May and is a fantastic way to get insight into recent events in the country while enjoying great photography!

We recommend taking time to check out the Photography Museums exhibitions during your stay, especially if you're a photography lover. It's a great way to get a deeper insight into the country's history, culture, and current events.

The museum is also notable for publishing its own photography books, so make sure to visit the gift shop. You'll also find other fun items there, like posters, decor, and unique photography-related souvenirs!

Reykjavik Museum of Photography
- Address: Grofarhus in Tryggvagata 15 (top floor), 101 Reykjavík
- Open: Monday to Thursday from 10 AM - 6 PM, Friday from 11 AM - 6 PM, Weekends from 1 PM - 5 PM.
- Admission is free for City Cardholders 

7. The Marshall House

Photo from Marshallhusid.

In the historic Marshall House, you'll find the contemporary art hub of Reykjavik. There you can see new and innovative work by diverse artists, both Icelandic and international. It's located on the Grandi area, about a 20-minute walk from central Reykjavik, and is an essential stop for anyone interested in exploring the dynamic world of contemporary Icelandic art.

Most notably, you can visit the Living Art Museum. Known as Nylistasafnid in Icelandic, or Nylo for short, it is the main platform for contemporary art in Iceland. It was founded in 1978 by a group of artists, making it the oldest artist-run museum or exhibition space in Europe!

Since then, the museum has become a vital platform for emerging and established artists, fostering creative dialogue and artistic innovation. It houses over 2000 pieces of contemporary art in its collection and showcases varied temporary exhibitions in collaboration with different artists. They also host many events, such as exhibition talks with artists and art seminars!

​Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Nylistasafnid. No edits made.

The Living Art Museum's exhibition program focuses on showcasing a variety of contemporary art by Icelandic and international artists. The museum also promotes experimental and interdisciplinary art forms, such as installations, video art, and performance pieces. This emphasis offers visitors a fresh and exciting perspective on the country's art scene.

They also run an internship program year-round, perfect for aspiring artists, exhibitors, or others who want hands-on experience dealing with the intricacies of managing and engaging in a gallery space.

In the Marshall House, you can also visit Kling & Bang, a gallery that was founded by ten artists in 2003. The gallery presents provocative and out-of-the-box artwork by different artists, so it's a good option for those looking to see unique art. They host temporary exhibitions year-round, so don't miss out on what they have on display during your visit!

Additionally, the artist Olafur Eliasson has a showroom on the top floor of the Marshall House, and on the bottom floor, you will find La Primavera, a fantastic Italian restaurant! It's also close to many other attractions in the Grandi, like the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Saga Museum, and the Whales of Iceland exhibition.

The Living Art Museum and Kling & Bang
- Address: The Marshall House, Grandagardur 20, 101 Reykjavik
- Open: Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM - 6 PM. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and in between exhibitions.

6. Asmundarsafn - Asmundur Sculpture Museum

5. Einar Jonsson Museum and Sculpture Garden        

Photo from the Einar Jonsson Museum.

The Einar Jonsson Museum and Sculpture Garden is located next to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church in downtown Reykjavik and celebrates the work and life of sculptor Einar Jonsson (1874-1954). During a visit, you'll get to explore the life and work of a leading figure in Icelandic art history and get further insight into the country's culture.

The museum, which opened in 1923, was originally designed by Einar Jonsson himself and stands as a testament to his artistic vision. He believed that all people should have equal access to art, and in 1909 he offered much of his work as a gift to the nation in return for government funding for building the country's first art museum.

The building's architectural style combines traditional Icelandic elements with contemporary European influences, creating a unique but fitting backdrop for the artist's works. The building also included his home and art studio, which visitors can access to gain insight into his life and creative process.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an impressive collection of Einar Jonsson's sculptures, paintings, and drawings. The museum is divided into several rooms, each dedicated to a different period of his life or a specific theme in his work.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by WiseWoman. No edits made.

In addition to the indoor exhibits, the museum is home to a tranquil sculpture garden where visitors can enjoy a selection of the artist's work, many depicting various mythological figures and heroes. Even if you don't visit the museum building itself, it's still worth it to take a walk through the garden during your exploration of Reykjavik, especially as it's accessible any time of day, and entry is free!

You can also find works by Einar in other places around the world. From 1914, Einar had a number of works built for the American Government. These included a statue of the forefather of the Icelandic Independence Movement, Jon Sigurdsson, for the Icelandic community in Montreal, Canada. He also made a statue for the City of Philadelphia of the Icelandic explorer Thorfinnur Karlsefni, pictured below.

​Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Smallbones. No edits made

The Einar Jonsson Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Address: Eiriksgata 3, 101 Reykjavik
- Open: Tuesday - Sunday from 12 PM - 5 PM. Closed on Mondays.

 4. Safnahusid - House of Collections

​On the lively street, Hverfisgata, in downtown Reykjavik, you can find the beautiful Safnahusid or the House of Collections, sometimes called the Culture House. It's part of the National Gallery of Iceland and showcases many treasures of Icelandic art from the gallery's vast collection.

It bridges the gap between art and science. During your visit, you're encouraged to think about your own experience with the topic of each art piece as a way of connecting and exploring the art in new ways.

​The exhibition is spread over four floors, connected by a beautiful grand staircase, and each floor explores a different theme. We recommend starting from the top floor and working your way down.

The fourth floor is themed around air, featuring art connecting to the sky and space. The third one centers around the land, focusing mostly on animals. The second floor focuses on water, especially on the ocean, and the bottom floor explores the theme of natural principles. In the basement, you'll also find a small exhibition dedicated to Icelandic folklore.

The whole exhibition was specially designed with children in mind, with interactive displays and games. Hence, it's a great museum to visit with the family while getting to know Icelandic art as well as Icelandic nature! Entry is also free for children under 18 years.

​It's also worth visiting for the building itself, as many consider the House of Collections to be one of the more beautiful buildings in Reykjavik. It was built between 1906 and 1908 and was originally intended to house the National Library and National Archives. You can explore the old reading hall in the building, which has been restored. Since then, it has served many purposes, including as part of the National Museum of Iceland, until 2021, when it was handed over to the National Gallery of Iceland.

The building has a café and a nice museum shop where you can find posters, cards, and decor featuring Icelandic art. It's also located in the center of Reykjavik, next to the National Theater of Iceland, making it a convenient stop when exploring the city on foot.

3. National Gallery of Iceland        

The National Gallery of Iceland houses an extensive collection of art and hosts varied exhibitions that explore diverse themes and artistic styles, both from Iceland and the wider world. Its collection is spread through three buildings, including the House of Collections on Hverfisgata and the home of artist Asgrimur Jonsson (1876-1958), a pioneer in the history of Icelandic art.

During a visit to the museum's main building, located by the Tjornin pond in Reykjavik, you will see a variety of art styles and forms from artists that helped shape the Icelandic art scene, as well as international art. It's, therefore, a must-see museum for any art lover visiting Iceland.

The exhibitions are generally temporary and center around the work of specific artists, certain themes, or even whole private collections, which have often been gifted to the museum, and feature varied artwork. They can also be dedicated to specific art pieces, like the Glassrain by the artist Ruri from 1984. Her work can be seen around the capital area and she also made the Rainbow that's located outside Keflavik International Airport.

​The main building was designed by acclaimed state architect Gudjon Samuelsson and was intended to serve as an icehouse. Over the years, the structure has undergone several renovations, transforming it into a modern, spacious gallery. The building's unique architectural features, such as its large windows and high ceilings, contribute to the gallery's distinct atmosphere, creating a memorable experience for visitors.

The gallery also has a nice gift shop and organizes various events and educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. These activities cater to a wide range of audiences, from children and families to art enthusiasts and professionals, so keep an eye out for the museums' upcoming events during your stay in Iceland!

​

National Gallery of Iceland 
- Address: Frikirkjuvegur 7, 101 Reykjavik
- Open: Tuesday - Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays
- Admission is free for City Cardholders 

2. Kjarvalsstadir - Kjarval Museum

Kjarvalsstadir is one of the three buildings belonging to the Reykjavik Art Museum. It is dedicated to the Icelandic painter Johannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972), who is considered to be one of the most important artists in Iceland’s history.

The architecture of the museum is unapologetically Nordic modernist, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the popular Klambratun Park. It has a charming bistro, Klambar, which is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, which makes a great option for lunch or afternoon coffee. It also includes a nice gift shop and an Idea's Lab where families can let their artistic side flow forward and make their own art pieces together.

The Kjarval Museum focuses on exhibiting a variety of important works from Icelandic 20th-century art history, split between two exhibition spaces in the building. One of the exhibition spaces focuses on different influential artists, such as Hildur Hakonardottir and Birgir Andresson. This exhibition changes regularly, so make sure to check out what's on offer during your visit.

​Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Willem van de Poll. No edits made.

The other exhibition space displays paintings and sculptures produced by Johannes S. Kjarval. As a young man, he worked as a fisherman but he was also a prolific drawer and painter. At age 27, he received financial support from both his fellow fishermen and the Icelandic Confederation of Labour to attend the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

Whilst studying in Copenhagen, he was introduced to a vast array of artistic movements and styles, an eclectic mixture of influences that would forever affect both the artist's wide body of work and his creative process. His work featured a variety of styles and he frequently mixed different ones together.

He's especially known for his landscape paintings which centered around the concept that nature is alive. They capture the surrealism and mystic qualities of Icelandic nature and are a must-see for any art lover interested in getting to know Icelandic art.

His work was immensely influential, both for the Icelandic art scene as well as culturally. For example, Icelandic musician Bjork dedicated a song to him on her debut album and he is featured on the 2000 krona bill.

Kjarval Museum
- Address: Flokagata 24, 105 Reykjavik
- Open: Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM and last Thursday of every month 10 AM - 10 PM.
- Admission is free for City Cardholders

1. Reykjavik Art Museum in Hafnarhus

At the top of our list of the best art museums in the city is the Reykjavik Art Museum in Hafnarhus. It's one of three houses that showcase the museum's collection and we recommend taking time to check out all buildings, as it's one of the best ways to get insight into Icelandic art history. The entry ticket is valid for all exhibitions for 24 hours from purchase and is free for city cardholders.

Hafnarhus, or 'Harbour house' in English, is the largest of the museum's houses. The building can be found just near the Old Harbour and was, in fact, originally used as an office and fishing warehouse in the 1930s before it was refurbished and reopened as an art museum in 2000.

Throughout the refurbishment process, great care was taken to leave as much of the original architecture as possible. For example, the original doors at street level were refurbished as windows, which give passers-by a peak at the art on display.

In total, the building contains six exhibition spaces, as well as an architecturally unique courtyard. The museum focuses on contemporary art and showcases the work of key artists through Icelandic art history as well as established and emerging current artists.

Erro’s style can be easily recognized. The artist often uses large-scale collages, utilizing images from comic strips, advertisements, and politics, creating works that offer both a high degree of visual stimulation and a coded interpretation of modern affairs. By following this method, the artist secured his reputation as the country’s leading practitioner of Pop Art and Collage.

This is not an exhaustive list of places to appreciate Icelandic art, as there are many smaller galleries located around the city that are worth visiting. The very streets of Reykjavik itself also serve as an outdoor art museum with its amazing collection of street art to stumble upon. We hope you will enjoy immersing yourself in the Reykjavik art scene and get inspired by its vast array of talented artists from Iceland's past and present.

• See also: Icelandic Literature for Beginners
• See also: Music of Iceland

What art museum in Reykjavik do you most want to visit? What art museum would be at the top of your list? Do you agree with our selection? Tell us in the comments below!