There is no better way to experience the rich culture and ancient history of Iceland than by visiting the museums and art galleries that showcase it all. From folklore and legends to architecture, the arts, and geology, there really is something for everyone. Take a look at our guide to the top museums and galleries in Reykjavík and throughout Iceland so that you can start planning to see the best attractions.
Perlan
Offering a 365-degree view of Reykjavík, the Perlan is bursting to the brim with interactive exhibitions that are simply not to be missed. Experience stories about the Northern Lights, enter an ice cave, catch sight of a lava show, and find out more about the infamous Icelandic glaciers in this fantastic planetarium. The impressive building was inaugurated in 1991 and features a large glass dome that sits on top of six district heating tanks. The tanks can hold a total of around 24 million litres of geothermal water, which is heated naturally below the surface of the Earth.
Information about Perlan
Ticket prices: Adults - 4690 ISK, Children (6+) - 2690 ISK (children aged 5 and under are free)
Address: Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: 9am-7pm daily
Árbær Open Air Museum
Displaying the history of Reykjavík, the Árbær Open Air Museum was developed in the late 1950s and today holds exhibitions that offer insight into the ways of life during various periods throughout history. A wander through the town square, village, and farm will allow you to feel like you have stepped back in time, with an extensive collection of buildings that have been relocated from central Reykjavík many years ago.
Events at the museum include vintage car displays, craft days, Christmas exhibitions, and more.
Information about the Árbær Open Air Museum
Ticket prices:
Adults - 1950 ISK (children aged 17 and under receive free admission)
Address: Kistuhyl, 110 Reykjavík
Opening hours vary throughout the year; take a look at the website for more information.
Viking World
Want to know what it was like in Iceland during the Viking settlement? The exhibitions at Viking World will make it feel like you were there! With an exact replica of a Viking ship, displays of archaeological findings, and stories of Norse mythology, the museum will entice and entertain!
Information about Viking World
Address: Víkingabraut 1, 260 Reykjanesbaer
Opening hours: 10am-4pm - Mon-Sat, 10am-3pm on Sundays.
National Gallery of Iceland
Over 14,000 works of art are owned by the National Gallery of Iceland, and exhibitions featuring these wonderful collections are spread across 3 separate locations in Reykjavík. The pieces held at the galleries showcase the talent of Icelandic artists
For information about the National Gallery of Iceland sites, opening hours, and prices, visit the website.
Gallerí Fold
This gallery in Reykjavík represents some of the most well-known artists in Iceland and is the country’s leading auction house and art dealership. There are many quality masterpieces on show throughout the 5 exhibition spaces.
Information about Gallerí Fold
Address: Rauðarárstígur 14, Reykjavík 105
Opening hours: 10am-6pm - Mon-Fri, 12pm-4pm on Saturdays.
Aurora Reykjavík
If you are hopeful of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Iceland, this science museum offers a glimpse into the beliefs behind the phenomenon and even allows you to experience an interactive Aurora exhibition. Learn how to take the best photos of the Aurora Borealis, and if you’re unable to see the wonder for yourself, you can use the specially equipped Northern Lights photo booth to capture special memories.
Information about Aurora Reykjavík
Address: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
The world’s largest (and possibly only) museum that displays penile parts of Icelandic sea and land mammals. There are over 282 specimens to be seen here from various species, including whales, polar bears and seals - there are even a few specimens to be seen from home sapiens.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum has given large amounts of educational attention to phallology, which is an ancient scientific study of the penis.
Information about The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Ticket prices: Adults - 2,500 ISK
Address: Hafnartorg, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10am-7pm daily
The Settlement Exhibition
A unique museum experience, The Settlement Exhibition includes archaeological remains that were excavated in 2001. These turned out to be the oldest relics of human habitation in Reykjavík, as some of the fragments date back to before 871 AD. The ancient ruins and settlements have been preserved for the exhibition and provide an insight into Viking times. In visiting the exhibition, you will learn about how the buildings were constructed through multimedia technology. The exhibits also include artefacts recovered from the site. Find out more about the exhibition here.
Information about The Settlement Exhibition
Ticket Prices: Adults - ISK 1500
Address: Hallgrímstorgi 3, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 12-5pm Tuesday-Sunday
The Einar Jónsson Museum
The fantastic museum and gallery is located in downtown Reykjavík and can be found beside the landmark church Hallgrimskirkja. The museum is dedicated to the works of Einar Jónsson, who was an Icelandic sculptor until he died in 1954. He started producing art from an early age, but there was no tradition of sculpture in the country when he was creating his work.
The artist has a vast array of experience and studied in both Copenhagen and Rome before returning to Iceland. He also produced statues for the American Government in 1914 and donated a large amount of his work to the city of Reykjavík. Find out more about the museum and gallery here.
Information about The Einar Jónsson Museum
Ticket Prices: Adults - ISK 1500
Address: Hallgrímstorg 3, Njarðargata 51
Opening hours: 10.00am - 5.00pm daily, closed Mondays
Reykjavík Art Museum
If art is more your thing, then you should definitely visit Reykjavík Art Museum. Housed across three distinct buildings, the museum is the largest art institution in the country and offers a wide array of art. It regularly exhibits work from three of Iceland’s most renowned artists, Erró, Kjarval, and Ásmundur Sveinsson.
On top of this, there are exhibitions from some of the other Icelandic artists and international art exhibitions too. You can experience a variety of styles from traditional paintings to the very modern peripheries of art here. Find out more about the exhibitions and museum here.
Information about Reykjavík Art Museum
Ticket Prices: 2,478 ISK
Address: Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm daily
National Museum of Iceland
One of the most popular museums, and also one of the most visited, is the National Museum of Iceland. It is a fantastic museum that highlights the history of the nation and how the country was formed. There are always a variety of exhibitions taking place that illustrate the story of the Icelandic past from Medieval Viking settlements right up to modern day.
Information about the National Museum of Iceland
Ticket Prices: 3,062.5 ISK
Address: Suðurgata 41, 102 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm daily
The main exhibition that takes place at the museum is home to over 2,000 artefacts that were discovered around the country. It is well worth a visit if you are planning a trip to Iceland. You can find more information about the museum here.
If you’re looking for a car to hire during your trip to Iceland so that you can explore everything that sparks your interest, take a look at our range of vehicles today.