capital-region · Iceland
Listasafn Íslands
About Listasafn Íslands
Sem fremsta listasafn Íslands býður Listasafnið upp á óviðjafnanlega ferð í gegnum listræna arfleifð þjóðarinnar. Það þjónar sem miðlæg geymsla, sýnandi þróun íslenskrar sköpunargáfu frá 19. öld til nútíma nýstárlegra tjáninga.
Photo Gallery
History & Background
Listasafn Íslands, eða National Gallery of Iceland, var stofnað með því mikilvæga markmiði að verða fremsta listasafn landsins og miðlæg geymsla fyrir íslenska list. Stofnun þess markaði mikilvægt skref í formlegri viðurkenningu og varðveislu sjónrænnar arfleifðar þjóðarinnar. Safnið er staðsett í Reykjavík og hefur vaxið og hýsir nú víðtækt safn sem rekur nákvæmlega feril íslenskrar listar frá 19. öld, tímabili vaxandi þjóðerniskenndar, til kraftmikillar og fjölbreyttrar nútímasenu. Hlutverk þess sem miðlæg geymsla tryggir að mikilvægustu listrænu framlögin séu safnað, varðveitt og gerð aðgengileg almenningi, og býður upp á samfellda frásögn af íslenskri sköpunargáfu.
Did You Know?
- It is recognized as the leading art museum in Iceland.
- Known in Icelandic as Listasafn Íslands.
- Located conveniently in Reykjavík, the nation's capital.
- Serves as the central repository for Icelandic art.
- Features art from the 19th century through to contemporary masterpieces.
Tours Near Listasafn Íslands
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Immerse yourself in the rich visual history and contemporary pulse of Icelandic art.
Did You Know?
The National Gallery of Iceland is known in Icelandic as Listasafn Íslands, signifying its role as the country's premier art institution.
No specific local legend associated with this site.
While the National Gallery of Iceland is rich with artistic narratives, there are no specific local legends or myths directly associated with the building or its collection, beyond the stories told within the artworks themselves.
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hidden Gems Nearby
Works by Jóhannes S. Kjarval
Jóhannes S. Kjarval is one of Iceland’s most influential painters, known for his imaginative landscapes inspired by lava fields, folklore, and the Icelandic wilderness. His works helped shape the visual identity of modern Icelandic art.
See iconic paintings by one of Iceland’s most celebrated artists.
Ásgrímur Jónsson Landscape Paintings
Ásgrímur Jónsson was among the first Icelandic artists to professionally document the country’s dramatic natural scenery through painting. His works capture glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes that helped define Iceland’s national artistic tradition.
Experience the landscapes that inspired Iceland’s earliest national painters.
Contemporary Icelandic Art Exhibitions
The museum regularly hosts rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary Icelandic artists working with photography, installation art, video, and experimental media that reflect modern Icelandic society and culture.
Discover how Icelandic art continues to evolve today.
Practical Information
Best Time
All year, mornings for fewer crowds.
Duration
2–3 hours
Access
Easily accessible in central Reykjavík by foot or public transport.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of art can I expect to see at the National Gallery of Iceland?
The gallery showcases Icelandic art ranging from the 19th century to contemporary masterpieces, serving as the nation's central repository for visual arts.
Where is the National Gallery of Iceland located?
It is centrally located in Reykjavík, making it easily accessible for visitors to the capital region.
What is the Icelandic name for the National Gallery of Iceland?
In Icelandic, it is known as Listasafn Íslands.
Why is the National Gallery of Iceland considered important?
It is the country's leading art museum and a central repository, playing a crucial role in preserving and presenting Iceland's artistic heritage.
