Höggmyndagarðurinn

History & Background

Einar Jónsson (1874–1954) is widely regarded as Iceland's first professional sculptor and a pivotal figure in the nation's artistic awakening. Born in Galtafell, southern Iceland, Jónsson studied in Copenhagen, where he developed a distinctive style characterized by powerful symbolism and an exploration of spiritual and philosophical themes. Unlike many contemporaries, he largely rejected purely realistic or classical forms, preferring to sculpt from his inner vision and dreams. His work often drew heavily from Icelandic sagas, folk tales, and the dramatic natural landscape of his homeland. Jónsson's profound connection to his country led to an extraordinary act of generosity: in 1909, he offered to gift all his works to the Icelandic nation, provided they built a museum to house them. This visionary proposal was eventually realized, and the Einar Jónsson Museum, the first art museum in Iceland dedicated to a single artist, opened in 1923. The museum building itself, designed by Jónsson, stands as a testament to his artistic ambition and vision. The adjacent sculpture garden, Höggmyndagarðurinn, was created to display many of his larger outdoor works, making his art accessible to the public at all times. It serves as an open-air extension of the museum, allowing visitors to experience his monumental pieces under the open sky, much as the artist himself might have envisioned them in the grand landscape of Iceland.

Practical Information