Summary
From local art to punk legends, Icelanders are proud of their national heritage — and there’s a lot to be proud of. From the original Icelandic Sagas that outline the beginning of Icelandic culture to the largest whale exhibition in Europe, the wildlife, history, artwork, and culture of Iceland all deserve their own celebrations.
Moreover, while there are very serious museums (like the National Museum of Iceland), there are plenty of museums in Reykjavik that know how to keep it lighthearted (think: the Iceland Phallological Museum). There truly is something for every kind of history buff.
Perhaps we’ve finally discovered how locals endure the gloominess of the weather (and they experience quite a lot of it): a plethora of museums to keep them entertained on those less-than-ideal days. Below is a curated list of the best museums you can explore in Reykjavik.
The Icelandic Punk Museum
The format of The Icelandic Punk Museum is unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else. Here, you’ll find a history lesson on the local punk music scene all in a series of refurbished bathroom stalls (the museum is located at the site of a former public restroom). The museum was opened by John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten of the UK legend The Sex Pistols.
You can learn about the early days of punk music in Iceland during the ’80s through photographs and memorabilia, as well as its influence on modern icons like Björk.
The Iceland Phallological Museum
Address
Reykjastræti 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone +354 561 6663
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is exactly what it sounds like: a museum dedicated to all shapes, species, and types of phallus. While you might giggle at the name, you are in for a true education at this museum, which contains more than 200 specimens from local mammals, including polar bears, whales, seals, and walruses.
The museum also explores the role of phallus in folklore, both local and foreign. Consequently, you’ll gain an education here that is simply unparalleled.
National Museum of Iceland
Address
Suðurgata 41, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone +354 530 2200
If you’ve only got an afternoon and want to immerse yourself in a wide span of Icelandic history, check out The National Museum of Iceland. Unlike many hyper-specific museums in Reykjavik, this one encompasses a bit of everything—from medieval Viking settlements to contemporary art.
However, one exhibit stands out among the rest: the Valthjómstadur door. This ancient door features engravings that depict scenes from Le Chevalier au Lion, a knight’s tale dating back to the 12th century.
Whales of Iceland
Address
Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone +354 571 0077
More than 20 species of whales pass by Iceland each year, and this exhibit is entirely dedicated to these majestic animals. Whales of Iceland is the largest whale exhibit in Europe, showcasing 23 life-size models of various whale species inhabiting Icelandic waters, including the North Atlantic Right Whale and the Sperm Whale. There are only a few places globally where you can experience the immense size of these mammals.
If you’re eager to see them in person, consider a visit during the summer and plan a boat tour with one of the many operators available in the harbor.
Árbæjarsafn Open-Air Museum
Address
Kistuhylur 110, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone +354 411 6320
Think of the Árbæjarsafn Open-Air Museum as the Old World Wisconsin of Iceland. This museum shares what life was like for the first settlers in Iceland. Visitors will gain insight into the early Icelanders’ lives, while the rotating exhibits cover aspects such as traditional house painting, building techniques, and children’s toys.
The Árbæjarsafn Open-Air Museum is a segment of the Reykjavik City Museum, which also includes the Maritime Museum, The Settlement Exhibition, the Reykjavik Museum of Photography, and Viðey Island. Therefore, this complex is perfect for those who want a full day of educational experiences.
Saga Museum
Address
Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone +354 511 1517
Reykjavik’s Saga Museum presents visitors with the seminal stories that shape Iceland’s identity today. The Icelandic Sagas form a cornerstone of the country’s history, narrating the lives of its earliest settlers. The museum brings these narratives to life through exhibits showcasing key moments in Iceland’s rich history.
Reykjavik Maritime Museum
For generations, local fishermen have kept Icelandic history alive. The country’s arctic location has made resources limited, and the surrounding oceans serve as the primary source of sustenance. The Maritime Museum educates visitors on traditional fishing techniques, the harsh weather experienced by open-ocean fishermen, and the vessels they inhabited.
Visitors even have the opportunity to explore the Óðinn, the oldest ship in the Icelandic Coast Guard’s fleet. Consequently, this museum provides insights into the industry that not only helped a nation survive but also established it as a respected player in the northern seas.
Reykjavik Art Museum
Address
Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone +354 411 6400
A rotating selection of exhibitions by local artists gives visitors a glimpse into the vibrant world of Icelandic art. The museum itself consists of three buildings: Ásmundarsafn, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Hafnarhús. Throughout these spaces, you’ll frequently encounter works from Iceland’s most iconic artists: Kjarval, Erró, and Ásmundur Sveinsson.
The museum also offers guided and audio tours for those who wish to delve deeper into the art and the stories behind the artists.
Volcano House
Address
Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone +354 555 1900
In the historic section of Reykjavik, you’ll find the Volcano House: a small museum dedicated to Iceland’s forceful geology. The island is home to over 200 volcanoes as part of 30 volcanic systems. Here, you’ll discover an exhibition explaining the country’s minerals and a film about volcanic activity that plays hourly.
Visitors can also interact with many of the minerals on display. This makes it an excellent stop before embarking on an Icelandic road trip since you’ll encounter diverse geological formations throughout the country.
National Gallery of Iceland
Address
Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone +354 515 9600
Unlike the Reykjavik Art Museum, the National Gallery of Iceland includes works from both local and foreign artists. If you’re hoping to gain a comprehensive view of the artists who have influenced Icelandic culture, as well as the foreign creators celebrated by locals, the National Gallery will meet those expectations.
Fun fact: The gallery’s first version was located in Copenhagen until 1916, when it was relocated to Iceland.
