7 best art museums in Reykjavik you shouldn’t miss

When it comes to art, Iceland’s capital is the place to be. With an abundance of astounding art museums, from independent alternative art galleries to collections of the country’s most famous artists, there’s something for every art lover in Reykjavik. Explore extensive exhibitions of national and international art at the National Gallery of Iceland, or support local artists and their experimental installations at The Living Art Museum. A variety of styles can be admired at Reykjavik Art Museum, which spans three sites and is home to the largest collection of art in Iceland. And that’s not to mention the colorful street art that can be found on every corner. Whatever your taste, discover the best art museums in Reykjavik in this curated list.

Reykjavik’s best art museums at a glance

Best for modern art: The Living Art Museum

Best for design: Museum of Design and Applied Art

Best for the great masters: National Gallery of Iceland

Best art museums in Reykjavik

1. National Gallery of Iceland

Best for: 19th and 20th century art lovers

Why should I visit the National Gallery of Iceland?

With over 11,000 pieces of art on display, the National Gallery of Iceland houses the most valuable collection of local art in Iceland. The museum primarily showcases Icelandic art from the 19th and 20th centuries but also displays some international pieces.

How long can I spend at the National Gallery of Iceland?

While art lovers could spend half a day admiring the pieces on display, most visitors find 1.5 to 2.5 hours to be enough to explore all three floors.

Most famous artwork at the National Gallery of Iceland

Pablo Picasso’s “Jacqueline with a Yellow Ribbon” features Picasso’s muse and second wife and was gifted by her to the former president of Iceland, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the Vasulka Chamber, a collaboration with Steina and Woody Vasulka. This exhibition space, unlike the rest of the museum, is dedicated to multimedia and digital art.

Address and opening hours

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir

Best for: Icelandic art

Why should I visit Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir?

Split across three locations, Reykjavik Art Museum houses the largest collection of art in Iceland. Named after renowned Icelandic artist Jóhannes S. Kjarval, the Kjarvalsstaðir site is one of the best art galleries in Reykjavik and houses paintings and sculptures by a variety of influential artists who have shaped the modern art scene in Reykjavik.

How long can I spend at Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir?

A couple of hours is perfect to see Kjarvals’ works, as well as those of other Icelandic artists, including Erró and Ásmundur Sveinsson.

Most famous artwork at Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir

The exhibitions rotate regularly, but Kjarvals’ range of styles and raw representation of Iceland’s natural beauty and mythology are present in many of his paintings and sculptures.

Insider tip

While Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir houses many beautiful pieces, the angular glass and wood building is a work of art itself. Built in a Nordic modernist design, the museum features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide beautiful views of the surrounding Klambratun Park.

Address and opening hours

Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

3. The Living Art Museum

Best for: experimental art

Why should I visit The Living Art Museum?

Where better to discover the best art in Reykjavik than in a gallery owned by artists? The Living Art Museum is a non-profit art gallery that exhibits experimental and contemporary artworks.

How long can I spend at The Living Art Museum?

While it is one of the oldest artistic spaces in Europe, The Living Art Museum is a small gallery and takes around an hour to explore.

Most famous artwork at The Living Art Museum

The Living Art Museum’s exhibitions change frequently, but you can see what’s currently on display on its website.

Insider tip

The Living Art Museum is located in a former herring factory in the old harbor, which is a cultural hub home to restaurants, shops, and some of the best museums in Reykjavik.

Address and opening hours

Grandagarður 20, 101 Reykjavik. Open 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, Wednesday-Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday

Best design museums in Reykjavik

4. Museum of Design and Applied Art

Best for: design art

Why should I visit the Museum of Design and Applied Art?

The Museum of Design and Applied Art is one of the best art museums in Reykjavik if you’re interested in practical and functional art. It features an extensive collection of Scandinavian objects from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, including graphic design, book design, furniture design, ceramics, glass, and jewelry.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Design and Applied Art?

An hour is enough time to explore the permanent and temporary exhibitions, which are housed over six spaces.

Most famous artwork at the Museum of Design and Applied Art

For many, the most interesting items in the museum are related to Icelandic bathing rituals, a representation of its importance to Reykjavik’s rich culture and history.

Insider tip

The Museum of Design and Applied Art is located in the small town of Garðabær, a short drive or bus journey from the city center, but is worth the journey as it is one of the best hidden gems in Reykjavik for art lovers.

Address and opening hours

Garðatorg 1, 210 Garðabær, Iceland. Open 12:00 PM-5:00 PM Tue-Sun.

5. National Museum of Iceland

Best for: historic art

Why should I visit the National Museum of Iceland?

Boasting over 2000 artifacts of historical and cultural significance, the National Museum of Iceland showcases over 1000 years of Icelandic history. Admire art throughout the ages, from traditional to contemporary pieces, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, prints, jewelry, and other decorative artworks.

How long can I spend at the National Museum of Iceland?

While you could easily spend half a day exploring the pieces at the National Gallery of Iceland, two hours is enough to see the main exhibits.

Most famous artwork at the National Museum of Iceland

Arguably the most famous piece of craftsmanship in the National Museum of Iceland is the Valþjófsstaður door, an impressively carved medieval church door. Dating back to 1,200 AD, the engravings in the wood depict a scene from the 12th-century Lion-Knight legend.

Insider tip

An extension of the National Museum of Iceland, the Culture House, has an exhibition titled “Points of View.” This exhibition showcases the history of art through artifacts and artworks that demonstrate the deeply rooted artistic traditions that are a vital part of Iceland’s past and present.

Address and opening hours

Suðurgata, 101 Reykjavík,Iceland. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Alternative art museums in Reykjavik

6. Chromo Sapiens

Best for: interactive art

Why should I visit Chromo Sapiens?

A huge art installation of three colorful caves, Chromo Sapiens is a multi-sensory, 360° experience. Created by leading Icelandic contemporary artist Shoplifter with his signature material, synthetic hair extensions, Chromo Sapiens is one of the most fun things to do in Reykjavik.

How long can I spend at Chromo Sapiens?

While Chromo Sapiens is one of the best art museums in Reykjavik, it only takes around 30 to 45 minutes to experience, leaving you plenty of time to explore other famous Reykjavik art galleries, too.

Most famous artwork at Chromo Sapiens

The journey from homo sapiens to Chromo sapiens, as you navigate the caves to the soundscape from Icelandic band HAM, is an artistic experience.

Insider tip

Chromo Sapiens is housed in Hofudstodin, Reykjavik’s art and culture center. The center also has a design shop, which is one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik to pick up an artistic souvenir.

Address and opening hours

Höfuðstöðin, Rafstöðvarvegur 1a, 110 Reykjavik. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday-Sunday.

7. Museum of Photography

Best for: photography

Why should I visit the Museum of Photography?

The Museum of Photography is home to around 6 million images dating from 1860 to the present day. This small gallery preserves historical and contemporary photography by featuring a mix of amateur and professional photographs taken by local and international photographers.

How long can I spend at the Museum of Photography?

An hour is enough time to see the collection in the Museum of Photography, leaving you time to explore the nearby attractions in Downtown Reykjavik.

Most famous artwork at the Museum of Photography

The museum’s exhibit of family albums and personal collections archive the past in an intimate insight into the lives of everyday Icelandic citizens.

Insider tip

Take your passion for photography further by learning about Reykjavik photography. Discover the best of the city as local artists have through the lens of a camera.

Address and opening hours

Grófarhús, Tryggvagata 15, 101 Reykjavík. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Saturday-Sunday

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Reykjavik?

Iceland’s International Museum Day is on May 18 each year. To celebrate, many art museums in Reykjavik offer completely free admission on this day. Some art museums also offer free admission days as special promotions at different points throughout the year. The Living Art Museum is also a popular and free art museum in Reykjavik.

What’s the most famous art museum in Reykjavik?

The most famous art museum in Reykjavik is the National Gallery of Iceland, which is home to over 11,000 artworks. The Reykjavik Art Museum is also famous for having the largest collection of Icelandic art in the country and is split over three sites.

How much does it cost to go to an art museum in Reykjavik?

Many of Reykjavik’s art museums are free to enter. Others charge an entry fee, which is typically around 2000-2500 ISK ($15-20 USD). A Reykjavik City Card is a great way to save money on the city’s best attractions and includes entry into many of its best art museums.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Reykjavik?

Chromo Sapiens is often overlooked but is one of the most unique pieces of art in Reykjavik. The Museum of Design and Applied Art is one of Reykjavik’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations, nestled in the local town of Garðabær.

Are the art museums in Reykjavik wheelchair accessible?

There are many wheelchair-accessible attractions in Reykjavik, and the art museums are no exception. Wheelchair-accessible art museums in Reykjavik include the National Gallery of Iceland, the National Museum of Iceland, the Reykjavik Art Museum, and Chromo Sapiens.