Guide de Voyage : Gerdarsafn Musée d'Art de Kopavogur

The Gerdarsafn Art Museum is a modern art gallery in Kopavogur town in Iceland.

You can visit the Gerdarsafn Art Museum as part of a self-drive tour of Iceland. The museum is close to Reykjavik, so you can easily reach it while staying in the Icelandic capital.

The Gerdarsafn Art Museum was built in memory of Gerdur Helgadottir, a pioneering Icelandic artist. It's an important part of the Icelandic art scene and offers visitors an excellent opportunity to learn more about local and national art. 

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What Is the Gerdarsafn Art Museum?

The Gerdarsafn Art Museum opened in 1994 and is now a gallery and cultural institution in Kopavogur. Its permanent exhibition showcases the works of Gerdur Helgadottir. The museum houses more than 1,400 pieces by Helgadottir, spanning her entire career.

The museum also contains works by Barbara Arnason and her husband, Magnus A. Arnason, and pieces by Valgerdur Briem, making this an excellent destination for art lovers.

Besides the permanent collection, the Gerdarsafn Art Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works by Icelandic and international artists. These exhibitions show the modern art scene's diversity and vitality and allow visitors to explore different artistic styles and mediums.

The museum's architecture is also noteworthy. Its sleek, modern design reflects the geometric shapes found in Gerdur Helgadottir's artworks.

Visitors who want a creative space to create art can visit Gerdur's Studio, an open-learning space designed to encourage creativity in visitors. Entry to the studio space is included in the museum ticket, and visitors under 18 can go in to create something for free.

Who Was Gerdur Helgadottir?

Gerdur Helgadottir was an Icelandic sculptor and stained-glass artist who lived from 1928 to 1975. She's known for her three-dimensional abstract art, stained glass, sculptures, and mosaics.

When she died at the age of 47, her family donated a sizable collection of her works to Kopavogur, with the condition that the town opened a museum dedicated to her. The museum was the first in Iceland dedicated to a female artist.

How To Visit the Gerdarsafn Art Museum

The Gerdarsafn Art Museum is in Kopavogur, about 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) south of Reykjavik. 

To reach the museum from the Icelandic capital, take Route 40 southbound out of the city. Take the exit for Hamraborg, then take the first exit at the roundabout. You'll see the museum on your left.

The museum is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00. Discounted tickets are available for students and seniors, while children and people with disabilities can visit for free.

Other Attractions Near the Gerdarsafn Art Museum

Kopavogur is close to Reykjavik, so you can easily come for an afternoon at the museum while staying in the bustling Icelandic capital. Several other attractions in the area make it worth a visit, including the striking Kopavogskirkja church and the incredible Sky Lagoon geothermal spa.