A Guide to the Best Museums in Iceland

Iceland is a country of breathtaking landscapes, awe-inspiring nature, and a rich history and culture that have captivated visitors for centuries. With its stunning vistas of glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and geothermal hot spots, and a wide array of historic sites, Iceland is a must-see destination for any traveler. But one of the best ways to explore the country’s history and culture is to visit one of its many museums. Here, we take a look at the best museums in Iceland, from the historic to the modern, to help you plan your trip.

National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik is the country’s oldest museum, founded in 1863. It houses a wide range of artifacts and cultural objects from Iceland’s Viking Age to the present day, including art, archaeological finds, and rare books. The museum is well-known for its extensive collection of Icelandic Sagas, a series of epic stories written down in the 13th century. In addition, the museum has an impressive collection of coins, weapons, and religious artifacts.

The National Museum of Iceland also has a variety of interactive displays, such as a virtual reality tour of ancient Icelandic villages and a 3D map of the country. There is also a planetarium and an outdoor area with a Viking ship and a replica of a Viking Age longhouse.

The museum is located in the heart of Reykjavik and is easy to reach by public transportation. It is open year-round, with extended hours during the summer.

Reykjavik Art Museum

The Reykjavik Art Museum, located in the city’s old harbor area, is the country’s largest art museum. It features works from the 16th century to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of works by contemporary Icelandic artists, as well as works from the country’s early modern period.

In addition to the permanent collection, the Reykjavik Art Museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has an outdoor sculpture garden and an interactive children’s area.

The Reykjavik Art Museum is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

National Gallery of Iceland

The National Gallery of Iceland is located in Reykjavik and is the country’s largest art gallery. It features works from the 18th century to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations. The gallery is particularly renowned for its collection of works by Icelandic artists, as well as works from the country’s early modern period.

The National Gallery of Iceland also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The gallery also has an impressive sculpture garden and a cafe.

The National Gallery of Iceland is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

Einar Jónsson Museum

The Einar Jónsson Museum is located in Reykjavik and is dedicated to the work of the renowned Icelandic sculptor, Einar Jónsson. The museum features a variety of his sculptures, from monumental works to smaller pieces. It also houses the artist’s personal collection of books and manuscripts, as well as a small library.

The Einar Jónsson Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has an impressive garden and a cafe.

The Einar Jónsson Museum is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

Reykjavik Maritime Museum

The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is located in the city’s old harbor area and is dedicated to the history of Icelandic seafaring. The museum features a variety of artifacts, from ancient fishing boats to modern yachts, as well as a wide range of maritime-related objects, such as maps, paintings, and navigational instruments.

The Reykjavik Maritime Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has an interactive children’s area and a cafe.

The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

National Gallery of Iceland

The National Gallery of Iceland is located in Reykjavik and is the country’s largest art gallery. It features works from the 18th century to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations. The gallery is particularly renowned for its collection of works by Icelandic artists, as well as works from the country’s early modern period.

The National Gallery of Iceland also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The gallery also has an impressive sculpture garden and a cafe.

The National Gallery of Iceland is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

Reykjavik Museum of Photography

The Reykjavik Museum of Photography is located in the city’s old harbor area and is dedicated to the art of photography. The museum features a variety of works by Icelandic and international photographers, from the 19th century to the present day. It also has a library with a wide selection of books on photography.

The Reykjavik Museum of Photography also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has an interactive children’s area and a cafe.

The Reykjavik Museum of Photography is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

Reykjavik Maritime Museum

The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is located in the city’s old harbor area and is dedicated to the history of Icelandic seafaring. The museum features a variety of artifacts, from ancient fishing boats to modern yachts, as well as a wide range of maritime-related objects, such as maps, paintings, and navigational instruments.

The Reykjavik Maritime Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has an interactive children’s area and a cafe.

The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

The Settlement Exhibition

The Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavik is dedicated to the history of the city from its earliest days to the present. The museum features a variety of artifacts, from archaeological finds to historic photographs, as well as a series of interactive displays. It also has a library with a wide selection of books on the history of Reykjavik.

The Settlement Exhibition also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has an interactive children’s area and a cafe.

The Settlement Exhibition is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

Reykjavik City Museum

The Reykjavik City Museum is located in the heart of the city and is dedicated to the history of Reykjavik from the 18th century to the present day. The museum features a variety of artifacts and documents, as well as interactive displays and videos. It also has a library with a wide selection of books on the history of Reykjavik.

The Reykjavik City Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has an interactive children’s area and a cafe.

The Reykjavik City Museum is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

Reykjanes Folk Museum

The Reykjanes Folk Museum is located in the Reykjanes peninsula and is dedicated to the history of the region. The museum features a variety of artifacts, from archaeological finds to historic photographs, as well as interactive displays and videos. It also has a library with a wide selection of books on the history of the Reykjanes area.

The Reykjanes Folk Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has an interactive children’s area and a cafe.

The Reykjanes Folk Museum is open year-round, and admission is free for all visitors.

Summary

Iceland is a country of stunning natural beauty and a rich history and culture. Exploring its many museums is one of the best ways to learn about the country and its people. From the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik to the Reykjanes Folk Museum on the Reykjanes peninsula, there is something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in Iceland, make sure to visit one of these amazing museums and explore the country’s fascinating history and culture.