Guide de Voyage : ARS LONGA Contemporary Art Museum

ARS LONGA contemporary art museum, situated in Djupivogur in the Eastfjords, is a fantastic place for modern art enthusiasts to explore innovative artworks.

When traveling around the Eastfjords of Iceland, you'll likely pass through the town of Djupivogur. One of the must-visit attractions in this charming town is the ARS LONGA contemporary art museum, where you'll find interesting progressive exhibitions.

ARS LONGA aims to establish itself as a premier destination for international contemporary art in Iceland. Through vibrant initiatives, the museum fosters connections and collaborations with artists and industry professionals.

You can easily reach Djupivogur by renting a car and embarking on self-drive tours around the Ring Road. You'll be able to experience the top places to visit in East Iceland while enjoying a stay in great Eastfjords accommodations.

Include a stop during a classic 10-day self-drive tour of the complete Ring Road or a 14-day self-guided Ring Road trip to travel around the country and visit ARS LONGA in East Iceland.

Photo from the ARS LONGA Facebook page. No edits made

About the ARS LONGA Contemporary Art Museum

Photo from the ARS LONGA Facebook page. No edits made

Artists Sigurður Guðmundsson and Þór Vigfússon founded ARS LONGA contemporary art museum (ARS LONGA samtímalistasafn in Icelandic) in 2021, and it formally opened in July 2022. 

Ars Longa is a Latin term meaning "Art is Long." It's a shortened version of the famous Latin quote by Hippocrates, "Ars Longa, Vita Brevis," which roughly translates to "art is long, life is short."

ARS LONGA aspires to curate a diverse collection featuring works from Icelandic and international artists. However, its foundation rests upon a generous donation of 27 artworks by Sigurður Guðmundsson. These pieces set the stage for a captivating exploration of artistic expression.

Location of ARS LONGA and How to Get There

ARS LONGA is located on the Brandsvik bay waterfront in Djupivogur. It's 64.6 miles (104 kilometers) north of Hofn town and 94 miles (152 kilometers) south of Egilsstadir, the largest settlement in East Iceland.

Ring Road travelers from Southeast Iceland should turn right onto Djupavogsvegur road leading into Djupivogur. Then, turn right onto Vogaland and follow the road almost to the end. ARS LONGA is on the left-hand side of the road.

Those driving from North Iceland can turn left onto Vogaland, which leads into Djupivogur town. Turn right onto Vikurland road once you reach Gledivik bay, then right onto Markarland road. A left turn will take you to Vogaland road, and ARS LONGA is on the left side near the end of the road.

Contemporary Artwork at ARS LONGA

Photo from the ARS LONGA Facebook page. No edits made

The heart of ARS LONGA is its collection of works gifted by renowned artist and museum founder Sigurður Guðmundsson. These works cover over 50 years of his career and are considered core pieces.

ARS LONGA now houses the most extensive museum collection of Sigurður's works in Iceland. It's second only to the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, which has 57 of his works.

About Artist Sigurður Guðmundsson

Sigurður Guðmundsson played a pivotal role in shaping the Icelandic art scene. In the mid-sixties, he was one of the founding members of the SUM group, a group of young artists who challenged traditional norms with their innovative approaches to art.

One of Sigurdur's most notable works is "The Eggs of Gledivik." It's also known as "The Eggs of Merry Bay." This iconic artwork features 34 concrete bird eggs, representing the area's species, on the shore near Djupivogur town. 

About Artist Þór Vigfússon

Photo from the ARS LONGA Facebook page. No edits made

Þór Vigfússon, the other founder of ARS LONGA, was born in 1954. Þór is a contemporary artist known for his unique approach to art. He studied at the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts in Reykjavik and the Strichting De Vrije Academie in The Hague in 1978. 

His minimalist pieces, often made from industrial materials like glass and plexiglass, play with texture, color, and reflections. They challenge traditional boundaries between two- and three-dimensional art, with architecture and space crucial in their presentation. 

Attractions Near ARS LONGA Contemporary Art Museum

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Gerd Eichmann. No edits made. The Landabud Cultural Center in Djupivogur.

Djupivogur is a charming seaside town with fascinating sites. There are some lovely places to stay in Djupivogur, so you may wish to stop for a night or two and soak up the area's tranquility.

Don't miss a visit to the Eggs of Merry Bay, just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from ARS LONGA. Afterward, a soak in the Djupavogskorin hot springs is the perfect finish to a day of exploration.

To delve further into the culture of the area, visit the nearby Langabud Cultural Center, a charming heritage museum in the town's oldest building.

Audunn's Stone & Mineral collection and JFS Handcrafts and Stonegarden are more excellent places to visit. Both are in the village, close to ARS LONGA, and feature various locally sourced stones, minerals, and handmade items. Travelers will gain insights into the cultural and geological heritage of the region when visiting these attractions.