🏛️Museums in Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík tells the story of Iceland from the Viking settlement in the 9th century to the present day. The permanent exhibition 'Making of a Nation' displays over 2,000 objects including ancient manuscripts, medieval religious art, traditional clothing, and artifacts from daily life. Highlights include the Valþjófsstaður church door from the 13th century, carved with the legend of a knight slaying a dragon, and the statue of Thor discovered at Eyrarland farm. The museum provides essential context for understanding Icelandic history and culture.

Perlan museum features interactive exhibitions about Iceland's natural wonders including glaciers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the Northern Lights. The highlight is the first-ever indoor ice cave and tunnel made from over 350 tons of snow, kept at -10°C year-round — giving visitors a glacial experience without leaving Reykjavík. Other exhibits include a virtual reality Northern Lights show, interactive displays on geothermal energy, and a planetarium. The observation deck on the roof offers 360° views over Reykjavík and surrounding mountains.

Reykjavík Art Museum operates three locations showcasing modern and contemporary Icelandic art. Hafnarhús downtown features rotating contemporary art exhibitions and houses a permanent collection of works by Erró, one of Iceland's most famous painters. Kjarvalsstaðir is dedicated to Jóhannes Kjarval, Iceland's most beloved artist known for landscapes and portraits. Ásmundarsafn displays sculptures by Ásmundur Sveinsson in a unique building designed by the artist himself. One ticket grants access to all three locations.

Whales of Iceland is the largest whale exhibition in Europe, featuring 23 life-size models of whale species found in Icelandic waters. Walk beneath a 25-meter-long Blue Whale, encounter a massive Sperm Whale, and learn about Orcas, Humpbacks, and Minke Whales through interactive displays and audio recordings of whale songs. The exhibition provides education on whale biology, behavior, conservation, and Iceland's complex relationship with whaling. The immersive experience helps visitors understand the scale of these ocean giants before seeing them in the wild.