Asmundarsafn is part of the Reykjavik Art Museum alongside Kjarvalsstadir and Hafnarhus, making it easy to plan a full day of art in Reykjavik. This top Reykjavik museum occupies the artist’s former home and studio in Sigtun in Laugardalur Valley.
Ásmundur Sveinsson designed most of the striking white, dome-topped complex himself and built it in three phases between 1942 and 1959. Today, changing exhibitions present his sculptures and drawings, sometimes in dialogue with contemporary artists, while the surrounding sculpture garden is free to visit and open all year.
Along with the sculptures, the Asmundarsafn building itself is a highlight. Its distinctive forms were mostly designed by the sculptor, drawing inspiration from Arabic domes, Mediterranean vernacular architecture, and Egyptian pyramids. The site was converted for exhibitions after Ásmundur bequeathed his home and works to the city, and the museum opened in 1983.
The museum also pairs well with nearby attractions such as the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool, the Reykjavik Botanical Garden, and the Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo.
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Location: Sigtun in Laugardalur, 105 Reykjavik.
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Opening hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM.
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Admission: Children under 18 enter free. Entry is included with the Reykjavik City Card and with the annual Reykjavik Culture Card.
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Tómas Bickel. No edits made.
