From viking historical past to the world’s first indoor ice cave, Reykjavík’s museums are certain to fulfill curious souls, entertain folks of all ages and cater to artwork lovers of all sort. Ensure that to discover road artwork and outside sculptures – one in every of which doubles as a footbath with a view – and profit from low cost playing cards, such because the Reykjavík City Card (notice that many museums have free admission for youngsters and reductions for college kids and senior residents). If you happen to’re visiting in early June 2022, don’t miss the biennial Reykjavík Arts Festival.
Perlan: Finest for nature exhibitions
Perlan, the glass dome overlooking the town from forested Öskjuhlíð, has historically attracted guests with its panoramic view and the rotating restaurant on the highest flooring. Now they’ve added an extra attraction – Iceland’s solely Nature Exploratorium.
The “Wonders of Iceland” exhibition explains the science behind the nation’s pure phenomena as you discover them with all of your senses. The spotlight is definitely the 328ft- (100m-) lengthy genuine “Ice Cave” made with 350 tons of snow, the primary of its sort on the planet. It’s also possible to be taught all about Iceland’s fiery volcanoes, melting glaciers, various plant and animal life – and don’t overlook the awe-inspiring northern lights planetarium present.
Feeling daredevilish? Full your go to with a woosh on the zipline from the viewing platform (open in summer time).
Árbær Open Air Museum: Finest for dwelling historical past
Ever puzzled what Reykjavík regarded like at its infancy within the late 18th century? Discover the reply at Árbær Open Air Museum – one of many 5 Reykjavík Metropolis Museums.
Árbær itself is an previous turf farm and church which has stood in that location for hundreds of years. Across the center of the final century, as Reykjavík developed, conventional homes had been moved from downtown to Árbær the place they’ve since been preserved with their authentic interiors and furnishings and serving as a type of time warp for curious guests. Workers is wearing interval clothes and host demonstrations like conventional haymaking and folks dances.
Whales of Iceland: Finest for… whales
Unsurprisingly, this museum is all about whales. Twenty-three life-sized fashions of the all whale species discovered within the waters round Iceland are suspended from the ceiling, creating the phantasm of being underwater in shut encounter with these giants of the deep. For an much more practical expertise, attempt the VR headset. Study all about these fascinating creatures through an interactive show, and take heed to their mesmerizing sounds.
This museum is greatest loved together with a whale watching tour.
The Home of Collections: Finest for Icelandic artwork historical past
The stately white constructing on Hverfisgata, close to the middle of city, was in-built 1909 as the primary purposefully constructed museum in Iceland to facilitate the Nationwide Library, Nationwide Archives and Nationwide Museum. Now referred to as the House of Collections, it’s a part of the Nationwide Gallery, exhibiting key works and shedding gentle on Icelandic artwork historical past.
Additionally go to the Nationwide Gallery and Residence of an Artist, painter Ásgrímur Jónsson’s home, on the identical ticket.
Saga Museum: Finest for Vikings
Do you wish to face a blood-thirsty Viking warrior? Go to the extremely life-like wax figures on the Saga Museum that characterize necessary characters from completely different intervals of Icelandic historical past. An audio information will lead you thru the completely different scenes, from the unique settlers – Irish monks – to the reformation. A lot of the scenes characterize the Commonwealth Period, characters and occasions described within the sagas, together with the Battle at Örlygsstaðir from Sturlunga saga and Freydís Eiríksdóttir standoff from Eiríks saga rauða.
Afterwards, have your image taking in Viking gear whereas swinging a sword. By then you definately’ve in all probability labored up an urge for food, so try adjoining restaurant Matur og drykkur.
Ásmundarsafn: Finest for sculptures
In stunning Laugardalur valley stands a futuristic white dome surrounded by timber and big sculptures. That is sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson’s (1893-1982) former dwelling and studio, now a part of Reykjavík Artwork Museum. Exploring the sculpture backyard with youngsters is nice enjoyable for they’re permitted to climb the statues.
Uncover the work of this pioneer of Icelandic sculpture, whose summary artwork – impressed by each day life, folklore and sagas – was met with some criticism at first however his artwork is now embraced by all. A well-known instance is “The Water Provider” (1937) which for many years was not thought of stunning sufficient to be positioned within the metropolis heart and was lastly moved to the situation it was designed for, the nook of Lækjargata and Bankastræti, in 2011.
Purchase a ticket that additionally grants entry to Kjarvalsstaðir and Hafnarhús.
Reykjavík Maritime Museum: Finest for fishing historical past
Iceland is at first a fishing nation. The Reykjavík Maritime Museum – one of many 5 Reykjavík Metropolis Museums – within the hip Grandi district, traces the capital’s 150 historical past of fisheries and offers an perception into the nation’s typically dramatic relationship with the ocean. Ensure that to board cruise guard vessel Óðinn and be taught in regards to the Cod Wars.
If you happen to’re visiting in early June 2022, participate within the Fishermen’s Day celebrations on June 3–5.
