Top 17 Museums in Reykjavik | History, Culture and Vikings!

Top 17 Museums in Reykjavik | History, Culture and Vikings!

People visiting the Perlan exhibitionWhat are the best museums in Reykjavik? From Viking sagas and elves to a punk museum and whales, this guide highlights the top spots to discover Iceland's rich history, culture, and the magical northern lights.

If you’re looking to dive into Iceland’s rich history, vibrant culture, or natural wonders, museums in Reykjavik are the perfect place to start. As the capital city, Reykjavik is home to a diverse collection of museums that cater to all interests, from Viking sagas and Icelandic folklore to contemporary art and geology.

The best part is that many of Reykjavik's museums are conveniently within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore multiple sites in a single day.

To make the most of your cultural experience, grab a 24-hour Reykjavik City Card. It gets you free or discounted admission to the best museums in Iceland.

You can also get a 48-hour city card and a 72-hour city card, which are great deals if you want to explore multiple places during your trip!

Now, let's check out some of the best museums in Reykjavik, which are some of the most unique you’ll find anywhere in Iceland.



Key Takeaways

  • Reykjavik is home to various museums, from Viking history to Icelandic folklore and contemporary art.

  • The best museums in Reykjavik offer immersive experiences perfect for history buffs, art lovers, and curious travelers.

  • Many museums are centrally located, making them easy to visit on foot during your Reykjavik stay.

  • Reykjavik museums provide a perfect year-round activity, no matter the season.

1. Perlan Museum

Perlan at sunset with Reykjavik in the backgroundThe iconic Perlan Museum is hard to miss during your time in Reykjavik. Towering over the city from Oskjuhlid Hill, this futuristic glass dome provides visitors with an unmatched, panoramic view of the capital city from its observation deck. Guests can also immerse themselves in Icelandic nature without even leaving the city!

Perlan Museum has several exhibits focusing on Icelandic nature. The Perlan "Wonders of Iceland" exhibition features an ice cave constructed inside one of the hot water tanks on which the Perlan dome sits. It's a popular location, so we recommend booking your Perlan tickets ahead of time.

The museum urges visitors to use their senses during the tour, during which they can observe and touch the chill of a glacier while listening to natural sounds. Rest assured, museum staff can provide you with warm clothes (if you need them).

People exploring the ice cave at Perlan MuseumAfter walking through the labyrinth of ice, guests head to the second floor. There, they’ll find an interactive wall showing the forces of the glaciers and the volcanic activity under you, as well as multimedia displays covering everything about glaciers.

Another part of the exhibition explores Iceland's volcanic activity. Visitors can learn about different volcanic eruptions and how they have affected the nation over time. They can also witness the power of volcanoes with shaking floors and eruptive displays.

There's also a fun and interactive exhibition on Icelandic water and even a virtual reality telescope that allows you to explore the birdlife, including puffins, at a reconstruction of the Latrabjarg cliffs.

Be sure to see the Perlan's Northern Lights planetarium show, which takes you on a journey through time and space. It allows you to witness the spectacular display of the northern lights, even in the summer.

Perlan Ratings

Perlan Opening Hours

  • Daily from 9 AM - 10 PM

Perlan Address

Directions to Perlan

Perlan is located at the top of the Oskuhlid Hill. It's a 40-minute walk from downtown Reykjavik and can easily be reached with a rental car. You can also take the Straeto bus number 18 and stop at either the "Perlan" bus stop or the "Veðurstofan" bus stop.

2. The National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland is a great place to learn about Icelandic history

The National Museum of Iceland (Thjodminjasafnid) holds many treasures of Iceland’s history. Its vast collection includes arts and crafts, tools and furniture, religious artifacts, and even archeological remains.

The museum's permanent exhibition, "Making of a Nation," begins with the ship in which Viking settlers crossed the ocean to their new home and ends in a modern airport. This section features swords, drinking horns, a bronze figure that likely depicts the mythological Norse god Thor, and more.

Viking drinking horns at permanent exhibition in the National Museum of IcelandUpstairs is a collection that spans from 1600 to the modern era. There, you’ll understand the country’s plight under foreign rule and its struggle for independence. You can listen to voices of the past (albeit in Icelandic) through headphones, and there's a special room where you can play with objects and take photos.

A display at the National Museum of Iceland

Learn all about the museum’s artifacts through the free smartphone audio guide, available in nine languages. Guided tours in English are also available on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

You'll also find special, temporary exhibitions on everything from historic riding equipment to modern apartment buildings. These change regularly, so check out what's available during your visit!

National Museum of Iceland Ratings

National Museum of Iceland Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

National Museum of Iceland Address

Directions to the National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland is within a 15-minute walk from the downtown area, close to the Tjornin Pond, and next to the University of Iceland. You can also reach it by public bus number 12, stopping at the "Þjóðminjasafnið" bus stop, or by buses 1 and 3, stopping at the "Háskóli Íslands" stop.

If you have a rental car, there is parking available off Sudurgata Street or by the University of Iceland.

3. The Phallological Museum

The exhibition room of the Phallological museum in IcelandNo list of the best museums in Reykjavik is complete without mentioning the Icelandic Phallological Museum. When it comes to quirky Icelandic museums, this site is undisputed!

While the museum itself is not huge, it's worth a visit to the “famous penis museum” as some tourists call it (and for the endless jokes that will inevitably accompany you).

The Phallological Museum was founded in 1997 and initially housed in the town of Husavik before relocating to central Reykjavik. It’s home to over 200 penises and penile parts from almost all land and sea mammals in Iceland—from a tiny hamster member to a 6-foot-long specimen from a sperm whale.
The front desk and gift shop in the Phallological museum in IcelandVisitors can also see an extensive collection of toys, trinkets, and utensils related to the museum’s theme. There's an excellent gift shop, so you have an opportunity to bring home a penis-shaped bottle opener or a fridge magnet to commemorate the visit.

Additionally, there's a café serving all kinds of phallological drinks and goodies you can enjoy after visiting the museum.

Phallological Museum Ratings

Phallological Museum Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 7 PM

    • City Cardholders receive a 20% discount on the admission

Phallological Museum Address

Directions to the Phallological Museum

The Phallological Museum of Iceland is right in the city center, next to the Old Harbor and the Hafnartorg Shopping Area. It's an easy stop while exploring the Laugavegur and Austurgata Streets on foot.

The nearby Laekjartorg Square is a major connecting stop for public buses in Reykjavik. If you're looking for parking in Reykjavik, you can find an underground parking garage next to the museum.

4. Whales of Iceland

Main hall of the Whales of Iceland exhibitionIf you’re fascinated by Iceland’s marine life, the Whales of Iceland exhibition is another must-visit Reykjavik museum. Located in the Grandi Area, the museum is just a short distance from the Reykjavik Old Harbour, where most of the city’s whale-watching tours depart.

Inside this massive warehouse, you’ll encounter 23 life-size models of the whale species found in Icelandic waters, ranging from the small harbor porpoises to the enormous blue whale. It's a great way to learn about the whales and dolphins you may encounter (or have already seen) on whale-watching tours in Iceland.

The whale replicas hang from the ceiling and are all hand-painted. Each model has personal characteristics based on a real whale found in the ocean. The models are also soft and squishy, and you are allowed to touch them (gently)!

The exhibition is quite atmospheric: The room is filled with blue light and whale sounds, giving the sense of being underwater. The museum's virtual reality glasses allow visitors to experience the feeling of swimming alongside orcas or dolphins.

A guided tour of the Whales of Iceland exhibitionYou can download the museum’s multilingual guidance app to your phone or borrow a tablet at the front desk to learn about the biology and habits of these magnificent creatures. The exhibition also has guided tours twice a day.

If you’re ready to learn about the gentle giants of the sea, experience this whale watching boat tour and Whales of Iceland Exhibition admission. You can also book admission to the Whale of Iceland Museum in advance.



Whales of Iceland Ratings

Whales of Iceland Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

    • City Cardholders receive a 30% discount on the admission

Whales of Iceland Address

Directions to Whales of Iceland

You'll find the Whales of Iceland exhibition on the Grandi Area in Reykjavik. It's a 30-minute walk from the city center, but you can enjoy views of the lively harbor along the way.

If you have a Reykjavik rental car, there's plenty of parking by the museum. Otherwise, you can take either bus 3 or 14, and stop at the "Grundaslóð" bus stop.

5. Aurora Reykjavik: The Northern Lights Center

The northern light exhibition at the Aurora MuseumOne of the best museums in Iceland is Aurora Reykjavik, a new science museum and interactive exhibition. It’s a must-visit if chasing the northern lights is on your Iceland bucket list.

From a historical glimpse of the aurora borealis to a modern look at the science behind the colors, this museum offers an educational experience that’s fun for both kids and adults.

If you’re planning to go on northern lights tours, there are also interactive exhibits that include virtual reality (VR) headsets to experience the aurora for yourself. 

Picture of the Aurora northern lights photo simulator and selfie boothPerhaps the best part about this museum, at least for adults, is the specially equipped photo booth designed to recreate the settings of the aurora. Here, with assistance from staff, you can learn how to adjust your camera’s settings optimally.

If you're interested in visiting this unique museum about the northern lights, make sure to book your Aurora Reykjavik experience ahead of time to secure a spot.



Aurora Reykjavik Ratings

Aurora Reykjavik Opening Hours

  • Daily from 9 AM - 7 PM

Aurora Reykjavik Address

Directions to Aurora Reykjavik

Aurora Reykjavik is a 30-minute walk away from the city center. Those arriving by rental car will find convenient parking close by, and public transport is also an easy option. Buses 14 and 3 both serve the area, with the nearest stop being the "Fiskislóð" bus stop.

6. The Saga Museum

A scene from the Saga Museum exhibition, showing historical figuresStep into Iceland’s epic past at the Saga Museum (Sogusafnid), where history comes to life! This museum, though small, is packed with drama and legends. It has impressive life-like wax replicas of Icelandic historical figures to recreate key moments in the unique history of Iceland.

As you enter Iceland’s Viking museum, you’re given an audio guide that automatically narrates the tales of each scene as you walk past the realistic figures. The guide is available in Icelandic, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, or Swedish.

People taking an audio tour at the Saga Museum, looking at the exhibitionFor example, you can discover how Iceland’s parliament, Althingi, was founded around 930 AD at Thingvellir National Park. You can also discover what events led to law-speaker Thorgeir throwing his Norse idols into Godafoss Waterfall in North Iceland.

The replicas in the museum were created based on descriptions found in the Icelandic Sagas and other historic manuscripts. The clothes, weapons, and everyday objects have all been handcrafted using traditional methods.

The best part? You'll have the chance to dress up as a Viking in these handmade clothes after the tour: helmet, chainmail, sword, and all!

Saga Museum Ratings

Saga Museum Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

Saga Museum Address

Directions to Saga Museum

From the city center, walking to the Saga Museum takes around 20 minutes. It's easy to reach by public bus, as buses 14 and 3 both stop at the "Grandagarður" stop, just across the street from the museum. Alternatively, you'll find plenty of parking by the museum.

7. Arbaer Open Air Museum

Houses at the Arbaer Open Air Museum, staff dressed in traditional Icelandic clothes while taking care of farm animals

For a real taste of Old Iceland, head to the Arbaer Open Air Museum, one of the five gems that make up the Reykjavik City Museum. Here, you’ll wander through a large display of 19th and 20th-century Icelandic houses.

The museum consists of more than 20 buildings preserved and relocated to form a small town, a square, and a farm, giving visitors a sense of how Icelanders used to live before the country underwent its industrialization.

Each building has its own unique story. You’ll find homes of people with diverse occupations and social statuses, from a professor's residence to the home of landless laborers. There are also structures from different eras, such as traditional turf houses and WWII storage huts, and you can visit an old corner store!

The old corner store at the Arbaer open air museumThe employees and tour guides help bring the old history to life by dressing in traditional Icelandic attire and working on the farm, such as sheep, cows, and chickens. There's also a children’s room at the museum with traditional mid-century toys for the young ones.

Arbaer Museum Ratings

Arbaer Museum Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

Arbaer Museum Address

Directions to Arbaer Museum

Located in Arbaer, a suburb of Reykjavik city, it’s fairly easy to get to the museum. You can take buses 12 or 24 and exit at the "Árbæjarsafn" stop, but the easiest way to reach it is by rental car. It's around 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) from the city center.

8. Reykjavik Maritime Museum

Entrance to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, Sjominjasafnid

Nothing has been more vital to Iceland’s survival than fishing, so it’s no surprise that there's an entire history museum dedicated to the nation’s maritime past: the Reykjavik Maritime Museum. You can check out the country’s seafaring heritage at the newly renovated part of Reykjavik's harbor in the Grandi Harbor District.

The museum dives deep into the life and times of Icelandic fishermen, showing how fishing helped form the nation. It displays classic fishing artifacts, detailed model ships, mock-ups of wireless signal rooms, and a compass repair shop, among other things.

Here, you'll get a real sense of the harsh conditions early Icelandic fishermen endured and how their efforts laid the foundation for the nation today.

The entrance of the Maritime Museum in Reykjavik features a staircase wrapped around a sculpture of the sea, complete with fisth

You also don’t want to miss the section about the Cod Wars, a fascinating look at Iceland’s struggle with the United Kingdom over fishing rights in the 20th century. You can even board and tour the Odinn, a real Coast Guard vessel that survived three of these wars.

Reykjavik Maritime Museum Ratings

Reykjavik Maritime Museum Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

Reykjavik Maritime Museum Address

Directions to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum

Like many other locations on this list, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum is located in the Grandi District, by the harbor. It's a 25-minute walk from the city center and is easy to reach by buses 14 or 3. The closest bus stop is "Grandagarður".

If you’re driving a rental car, the best place to park is the gravel parking lot behind the building, right by the harbor.

9. The Icelandic Punk Museum

M&M statue by the entrance of the Punk museum in Iceland

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert. No edits made

When exploring the nation’s culture and history, one cannot forget Icelandic music! The Icelandic Punk Museum is hidden at the bottom of Bankastraeti Street in downtown Reykjavik and is one of the more unique places you can visit during your trip to Iceland.

Much like the punk scene itself, the museum is underground, in a location that couldn’t be more fitting for a museum of this kind: a former public toilet. The toilets were shut down in 2006, but Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols reopened them and repurposed them as a museum a decade later.

Here, you can learn about this country’s punk scene, from its raw beginnings to the new wave explosion, which helped pave the way for some of the nation's most iconic artists, including Björk and Sigur Rós.

Entrance of the Punk Museum in Reykjavik

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Ziko van Dijk. No edits made

The stalls serve as mini display rooms for the collection of photographs, posters, handbills, stage equipment, and instruments. There are streaming videos of classic club shows, and headphones hang from the ceiling, each playing a different Icelandic punk song. You can also try on leather jackets and strike a pose with a guitar or behind the drums.

Despite its small size and odd history – or perhaps because of it – this quirky and offbeat punk shrine is one of the best museums in Iceland.

Icelandic Punk Museum Ratings

Icelandic Punk Museum Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 6 PM

Icelandic Punk Museum Address

Directions to the Icelandic Punk Museum

The Punk Museum is at the base of Bankastraeti Street, which connects with the popular Laugavegur Shopping Street. It's best to access on foot, and you can take multiple bus lines to the nearby Laekjatorg Square.

If you have a rental car, it's best to park in one of the nearby parking garages. The closest ones are by Harpan Concert Hall, Reykjavik City Hall, or Tradarkot on Hverfisgata Street.

10. Reykjavik City Museum: Adalstraeti and Settlement Exhibition

Entrance to the Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavik

The Adalstraeti and Settlement Exhibition is located underground, along Adalstraeti Street, as it is built around an archeological site.

In 2001, the renovations of nearby buildings were about to start, but archaeologists began finding a few relics. These turned out to be the oldest remains of human habitation in Reykjavik, including a 10th-century Viking longhouse!

The longhouse is believed to have been inhabited from 930-1000 AD, and older still is a boundary wall at the back of the museum, built around 871 AD. What's equally impressive is that these buildings were discovered at the very place where Iceland’s first settlers are said to have made their home, as described in the old Icelandic Sagas, written some 200 years after the event.

At the exhibition, visitors can walk around the unearthed longhouse and examine various artifacts to glimpse into early Icelandic life. They'll also find information about the area’s history and ecology, as well as the residents’ daily activities, such as ironwork and carpentry. There's even a panorama showing how Reykjavik would have looked at the time of the longhouse!

Museum staff at the Adalstraeti exhibition in Reykjavik in the oldest house in the city

In 2022, the Settlement Exhibition was extended and now connects directly to another exhibition, "Adalstraeti", which traces the history of Reykjavik to the present day.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is a recreation of Reykjavik's main street as it was in the late 19th century, where visitors can witness the people of the past going about their daily lives through virtual reality binoculars. You'll also be able to check out a recreation of an old store!

The entry ticket is valid for both exhibitions, and you can enter through either the Settlement Exhibition or Adalstraeti 10. For a deep dive, you can also book a private Viking Age walking tour with a visit to the exhibition.

Adalstraeti and Settlement Exhibition Ratings

Adalstraeti and Settlement Exhibition Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

Adalstraeti and Settlement Exhibition Address's

Directions to the Adalstraeti and Settlement Exhibition

As the two exhibitions are connected, you can either start with the Adalstraeti Exhibition or the Settlement Exhibition.

Both entrances are along the same street by Ingolfstorg Square, which is best reached on foot. The closest parking garage is by Reykjavik City Hall, where you'll also find the closest bus stop, "Ráðhúsið."

11. House of Collections (Safnahusid)

The House of Collections in Reykjavík, Iceland, a historic white building with arched windows and classical architecture, under a clear blue sky.On the charming street of Hverfisgata Street stands the House of Collections, known in Icelandic as "Safnahúsið." This beautiful early 20th-century building is a landmark of downtown Reykjavik, and today, it’s part of the National Gallery of Iceland.

The main exhibition is called Resistance, which focuses on sustainability and ethical questions. It connects art and science, and visitors are encouraged to think about their own experiences when looking at the artwork.

A person stands in front of a vibrant, colorful digital projection resembling a kaleidoscope of flowers and geometric patterns in an art installation at the House of Collections in Reykjavík, Iceland.The exhibition is spread over four floors, each with its own theme. A large staircase connects all the levels, and it’s best to start at the top and work your way down.

The exhibition includes interactive displays and games made for children, so it’s a good place to visit with family. Entry is free for anyone under 18.

House of Collections Ratings

House of Collections Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

House of Collections Address

Directions to the House of Collections

It's hard to miss the grand white House of Collections at the end of Hverfisgata Street, close to Laekjatorg Square and Laugavegur Street. It's easy to stop by when exploring the city on foot, and you can take multiple buses to reach it.

The closest bus stops are on Laekjatorg Square and by the National Theatre of Iceland, a stop called "Þjóðleikhúsið."

Parking by the museum is very limited, but there are multiple parking garages within walking distance.

12. Hafnarhus Museum

Entrance of the Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhús, featuring bold graphic text design spelling "Listasafn" and "Art Museum" across the white façade.Hafnarhus is located by the old harbor in downtown Reykjavik. The building was originally a warehouse but now houses one of the city’s leading contemporary art museums. It’s part of the Reykjavik Art Museum, along with two other locations in the city.

The museum has the largest collection of works by the Icelandic pop artist Erró, known for his colorful and detailed collage paintings. It also hosts changing exhibitions that focus on modern and experimental art, often dealing with current issues in society and culture.

The space is large and industrial, which gives the exhibitions a modern feel. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in bold, creative works and want to see something different from traditional art displays.

Hafnarhus Ratings

Hafnarhus Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM, and 10 AM - 10 PM on Thursdays

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

Hafnarhus Address

Directions to the Hafnarhus

Hafnarhus is close to the Old Reykjavik Harbor and next to the Kolaportid Flea Market and the Baejarins Beztu Hot Dog Stand.

The closest bus stop is by the harbor and is called "Hafnarhús," serviced by buses number 14 and 3. Otherwise, it's a short walking distance to the Laekjartorg Square, where many other buses connect.

There is parking behind the Hafnarhus museum, but it can be hard to find parking there and in the surrounding area. We recommend parking in a nearby parking garage, like the one under the Hafnartorg Area.

13. Kjarvalsstadir Museum

Modernist concrete exterior of Kjarvalsstaðir Art Museum in Reykjavík, surrounded by trees under a bright blue sky.Kjarvalsstadir is located in the Klambratun Park in Reykjavik, close to Hlemmur Square. It's part of the Reykjavik Art Museum, alongside Hafnarhús and Ásmundarsafn.

The museum is named after Jóhannes S. Kjarval, one of Iceland’s most beloved painters. A large part of the space is dedicated to his work, which includes landscapes, portraits, and abstract paintings that show his connection to Icelandic nature and folklore.

In addition to Kjarval’s art, the museum also features rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary Icelandic artists.

The architecture of the building is open and light, with large windows that look out onto the park. There’s a café inside with a view over the park, as well as a museum shop with books, prints, and local design items.

Kjarvalsstadir Ratings

Kjarvalsstadir Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

Kjarvalsstadir Address

Directions to Kjarvalsstadir

Kjarvalsstadir is located in the Klambratun Park, within a 15-minute walk from the Hlemmur Square. It's easy to reach on foot, but you can also take public transport. The nearest bus stop is "Klambratún," which is around a 5-minute walk away from the museum.

If you have a rental car, you'll have no problem finding parking by the museum building.

14. Asmundarsafn Museum

Ásmundarsafn art museum in Reykjavík, housed in a white, dome-topped building with geometric shapes and flanked by sculpted statues on a clear day.Asmundarsafn Museum is located in Laugardalur Valley, near the Reykjavik Botanical Garden and the Family Park & Zoo. The museum is named after Ásmundur Sveinsson, one of Iceland’s most well-known sculptors.

The building was originally the home and studio of Ásmundur Sveinsson, and he also designed it himself. Today, it houses a large collection of his sculptures, which are inspired by nature, mythology, and the human form.

In addition to Ásmundur’s work, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on sculpture and three-dimensional art.

The building has a unique and modern design, influenced by both Icelandic traditions and Mediterranean architecture. There’s also a sculpture garden outside, where many of Ásmundur’s larger works are displayed year-round.

Asmundarsafn Ratings

Asmundarsafn Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

Asmundarsafn Address

Directions to Asmundarsafn

Asmundarsafn Museum is located a bit away from the city center, and while walking is possible, it's best to take a city bus or drive.

Walking from downtown Reykjavik to Asmundarsafn takes around 50 minutes one-way, but you can easily reach the closest bus stop, "Eingarteigur," with buses number 15, 17, 2, or 5.

If you have a rental car, you'll find plenty of parking by the museum. After your museum visit, we recommend visiting the Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool, which is in the same area!

15. The Einar Jonsson Museum

The Einar Jónsson Museum in Reykjavík, a fortress-like concrete building with tall vertical windows and red banners, showcasing the sculptor’s legacy.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by TommyBee.

The Einar Jónsson Museum is located next to Hallgrimskirkja Church in central Reykjavik. It is dedicated to Iceland’s first professional sculptor, Einar Jónsson, and displays a wide range of his work in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

The museum opened in 1923 and was the first museum building in Iceland. It was designed by the artist himself and also served as his home and studio.

Inside, you’ll find sculptures that explore themes like mythology, spirituality, and the human condition, made from materials such as plaster, bronze, and marble.

Outside the building is a peaceful sculpture garden, open to the public year-round. It features many of Einar’s works surrounded by trees and paths, offering a quiet spot for reflection in the middle of the city.

Einar Jonsson Museum Ratings

Einar Jonsson Museum Opening Hours

  • Tuesday - Sunday from 12 PM - 5 PM, closed on Monday

Einar Jonsson Museum Address

Directions to Einar Jonsson Museum

If you're exploring downtown Reykjavik, then reaching the Einar Jónsson Museum is easy. It’s a short walk from Reykjavik’s main shopping streets and other downtown landmarks, and just across the street from Hallgrimskirkja Church.

If you’re driving, there is limited parking in the area around Hallgrimskirkja Church, but it's best to park at one of the nearby parking garages and walk through the downtown area.

Public bus stops are all around a 15-minute walk away from the Einar Jónsson Museum, with the closest ones being the "Fríkirkjan" stop by the Tjornin Pond, and the "Bíó Paradís" stop on Hverfisgata Street.

16. The National Gallery of Iceland

The National Gallery of Iceland in Reykjavík, a historic white building with arched windows and contemporary art banners displayed on its façade.The National Gallery of Iceland is located by the Tjornin Pond in central Reykjavik, just a short walk from the city’s main sights. It is the country’s leading art institution and focuses on Icelandic visual art from the 19th century to the present day.

The museum features both its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The collection includes works by many of Iceland’s most important artists, covering a range of styles and themes. The rotating exhibitions highlight contemporary art and often include international artists as well.

The building is modern and welcoming, with bright galleries spread across multiple levels. There’s also a museum shop offering books, prints, and gifts related to Icelandic art, as well as a café where visitors can take a break and enjoy views of the pond.

National Gallery of Iceland Ratings

National Gallery of Iceland Opening Hours

  • Daily from 10 PM - 5 PM

    • Admission is free for Reykjavik City Cardholders

National Gallery of Iceland Address

Directions to the National Gallery of Iceland

The National Gallery is easy to reach on foot from most downtown locations, as it's right in the center, by the Tjornin Pond.

The closest bus stop is "Hallargarðurinn," where buses 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, and 12 stop. Paid street parking is available in the area for those arriving by car, but it's most convenient to park in the nearby parking garage under the Reykjavik City Hall.

17. The Living Art Museum

Exterior of the Marshall House in Reykjavík, home to the Living Art Museum, with large industrial-style windows facing the harbor.The Living Art Museum, also known as Nylo (short for "Nýlistasafnið"), is an artist-run space that focuses on experimental and contemporary art in all forms. It's located in the Grandi Area, in the historic Marshall House.

Established in 1978, it has been a vital part of Reykjavik’s independent art scene and continues to be a platform for emerging and established artists alike.

Visitors can expect innovative exhibitions, performances, and multimedia installations that push the boundaries of traditional art forms. Nylo also maintains an important archive of Icelandic contemporary art history, making it a must-visit for those seeking to explore the avant-garde side of the city’s creative life.

The Living Art Museum Ratings

The Living Art Museum Opening Hours

  • Wednesday - Sunday from 12 PM - 6 PM, closed on Monday and Thursday

The Living Art Museum Address

Directions to the Living Art Museum

The Living Art Museum is a 20–25 minute walk from the city center, following a scenic route along the harbor to the Grandi Area. You can also take bus number 14 or 3 and get off at the “Grandi” stop. For those driving, there is free parking available by the building.

FAQ's About Reykjavik Museums

Traditional turf-roofed buildings and green-trimmed timber house at Árbær Open Air Museum in Reykjavík, along a gravel path lined with grass and trees.Here are some of the most common questions about museums in Reykjavik.

Are Museums in Reykjavik Open Year-round?

Yes, one of the best things about Reykjavik museums is that most of them stay open throughout the year, making them the perfect alternative plan on a rainy day.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Museums in Reykjavik?

Entrance fees vary, typically ranging from around 20 USD to around 60 USD. Some museums offer student and/or senior discount passes.

Are Reykjavik Museums Kid-friendly?

Of course! Many museums in Reykjavik, like Perlan and the Saga Museum, are particularly fun for families.

Can I Get a Reykjavik City Card for Museum Access?

Yes! The Reykjavik City Card offers free or discounted access to many of the city’s top museums. You can pick up the card at Reykjavik City Hall and various museums around the city.

Plan the Perfect Reykjavik Museum Tour

Snow-covered Reykjavík with colorful rooftops and church spires set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Esja in winter sunlight.With so many incredible museums in Reykjavik, the challenge isn’t whether to visit, but deciding which ones to explore first. Whether you’re into Viking folklore or modern creative collections, there’s a museum here for everyone.

Pro tip? Space out your museum visits with coffee breaks or strolls along the harbor. To make the most of your experience, you can even book Reykjavik walking tours to explore the city, museums, food, and more!

Have you visited these museums? Which ones are your favourites? Are there must-see places we missed on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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