Guide de Voyage : The Icelandic Punk Museum

The Icelandic Punk Museum, housed in a former underground public toilet, features a small but rich exhibit dedicated to the history of the Icelandic punk movement.

Walking through downtown Reykjavik you might easily miss one of the more interesting museums the city has to offer. What you understandably thought was a vandalized public toilet you just passed was actually The Icelandic Punk Museum, a quirky and informative tribute to the history of the punk movement in Iceland. 

The museum's central location, interestingly just across the street from the Icelandic cabinet, makes for an easy stop while exploring Reykjavik with a City Card or a Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour. 

History of Punk in Iceland

The punk movement in Iceland emerged in the late 1970s, a bit later than in neighboring countries. As in other countries, the movement began as a reaction against mainstream music and societal norms, as well as a response to political and social stagnation and the limited opportunities available for the nation's youth.

Iceland's live music scene had been barren for quite some time at the time, so the arrival of punk really shook things up with its lively concerts and vivid aesthetic. Some of the key bands and figures in the Icelandic punk scene include Bubbi Morthens, one of Iceland's most iconic musicians, Fræbbblarnir, and KUKL, a band that included Iceland's superstar Björk before she became world famous.

Punk's influence in Iceland was not just musical. It was rather a cultural movement in Iceland, pushing boundaries in art, literature, and societal norms. This fascinating tidbit of Iceland's history can be learned about in detail at the Icelandic Punk Museum.

Things to Do at the Punk Museum

Make no mistake about it: the Icelandic Punk Museum is tiny, as is to be expected of an exhibit hosted at what used to be a public restroom. Even so, a lot has been packed into this small venue.

Visitors to the museum can learn the history of punk in Iceland with scattered text spread across the exhibit walls and listen to real Icelandic punk via headphones that dangle from the ceiling. The whole thing might seem a bit disjointed - as it should be!

The museum also has an extensive collection of memorabilia representing the punk movement. Guests can try on leather jackets and other accessories to see how they like the punk look and have a go on some of the instruments located at the museum.

Whether you're a true punk or simply curious about Icelandic history, the museum offers a unique perspective on a transformative period in Iceland's music and culture. A visit to the Icelandic Punk Museum is both educational and memorable.

Other Offbeat Museums in Iceland

Iceland has no shortage of quirky museums for anyone looking for an offbeat cultural experience.

The Phallological Museum is probably one of the most unusual museums you'll ever visit, housing a collection of more than 200 penises and penile parts from almost all the land and sea mammals found in Iceland. The gift shop is a special highlight, with plenty of penis-themed memorabilia.

If you want to know more about the history of Icelandic music, The Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll in the town of Keflavik is a good place to go. While not as punk as the Icelandic Punk Museum, this place celebrates the history of Icelandic pop and rock music, including the world-famous Bjork and Sigur Ros. The location near Keflavik International Airport makes it a good place to visit after landing in Iceland or shortly before departure.

Iceland's history of renegades that went against societal norms stretches back a bit further than the late 70s, as you will learn all about at the Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery in Holmavik. You'll be hard-pressed to find something more punk than the necropants they have on display!