capital-region · Iceland
Ásmundarsafn — Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum
Ásmundarsafn is the museum and former home/studio of sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893–1982), one of Iceland's pioneering modernist artists. The museum, located in Laugardalur near the Botanic Garden, showcases Ásmundur's sculptures in a purpose-built modernist building he designed himself (opened 1942). The sculpture garden surrounding the museum displays large-scale works in stone, bronze and concrete. Part of Reykjavík Art Museum, admission is valid for all three museum sites.
About Ásmundarsafn — Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum
Ásmundarsafn is the museum and former home/studio of sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893–1982), one of Iceland's pioneering modernist artists. The museum, located in Laugardalur near the Botanic Garden, showcases Ásmundur's sculptures in a purpose-built modernist building he designed himself (opened 1942). The sculpture garden surrounding the museum displays large-scale works in stone, bronze and concrete. Part of Reykjavík Art Museum, admission is valid for all three museum sites.
History & Background
Ásmundur Sveinsson born 1893 in rural Iceland, studied sculpture in Copenhagen and Paris 1915–1929. Returned to Iceland 1929 as one of the country's first professional sculptors. Built studio/home in Laugardalur 1942. Created 200+ sculptures. Died 1982. Studio became public museum 1983, joined Reykjavík Art Museum network 2000.
Key Facts
- ✔Museum in sculptor's former home/studio (1942)
- ✔Designed by Ásmundur Sveinsson himself
- ✔200+ sculptures in stone, bronze, concrete
- ✔Sculpture garden with 30+ outdoor works
- ✔Part of Reykjavík Art Museum (ticket valid for 3 sites)
Tours Near Ásmundarsafn — Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Private Silfra Snorkeling 6 p. group - Meet on Location - with Underwater Photos
From $899
Book Now
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From $7240
Book Now
Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
From $7400
Book NowAbout Ásmundarsafn — Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum
Ásmundarsafn opened 1942 as Ásmundur Sveinsson's studio/home, became public museum 1983 (year after his death), now operated by Reykjavík Art Museum. **Building:** Designed by Ásmundur Sveinsson 1939–1942. Modernist architecture with white-painted concrete, domed roof, geometric forms. Influenced by Mediterranean and North African buildings Ásmundur saw while traveling. **Sculptures:** Over 200 works by Ásmundur Sveinsson in stone, bronze, concrete, plaster. Themes: - Icelandic labor and working-class life - Mythology and folklore - Abstract modernist forms - Portraits **Sculpture Garden:** Outdoor garden with 30+ large-scale sculptures among trees, lawns and walking paths. Free access during museum hours. **Hours:** Summer (May–Sep) daily 10:00–17:00, winter 13:00–17:00. Closed Mondays Oct–Apr. **Admission:** Ticket valid for all 3 Reykjavík Art Museum sites (Ásmundarsafn, Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir) for one week. ~2,000 ISK adults. Located in Laugardalur near Botanic Garden, 3 km from downtown.
Reykjavík All In One Food Tour - Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals
From $207.66
Book Now
Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
From $1649.4
Book Now
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
From $385.65
Book NowHistory & Background
Ásmundur Sveinsson born 1893 in rural Iceland, studied sculpture in Copenhagen and Paris 1915–1929. Returned to Iceland 1929 as one of the country's first professional sculptors. Built studio/home in Laugardalur 1942. Created 200+ sculptures. Died 1982. Studio became public museum 1983, joined Reykjavík Art Museum network 2000.
Reykjanes Peninsula Private Day Tour - up to 9 passengers
From $2500
Book Now
2 hour Round Trip in Vestmannaeyjar on a RIB Boat
From $243.26
Book Now
Iceland: Diamond Beach Glacier Lagoon Black Sand Beach 冰岛冰河湖中文一日团
From $229.9
Book NowStory & Folklore
Ásmundur Sveinsson was one of Iceland's first modernist sculptors — a pioneer who studied in Copenhagen and Paris in the 1920s, then returned to Iceland to create monumental works inspired by Icelandic culture, mythology and working-class life. In 1942 Ásmundur designed and built his own studio/home in Laugardalur: a striking white modernist building with domed roof inspired by Mediterranean and North African architecture. He lived and worked here until his death in 1982, creating hundreds of sculptures. The building is now a museum displaying Ásmundur's works: sculptures in stone, bronze, concrete, plaster. Themes include Icelandic labor (fishermen, farmers), mythology, folklore, abstraction. The sculpture garden surrounding the building features large-scale works installed among trees and lawns. Ásmundarsafn is quieter and less-visited than Reykjavík's other art museums — which makes it a peaceful place to experience Icelandic modernist art without crowds.
Private Aurora Hunt in Iceland with Professional Photos
From $1699
Book Now
Private Iceland Tour - Hidden Gems & Local Experience
From $2300
Book Now
Full Day Golden Circle - Guided Tour
From $2163.35
Book NowVisitor Information
Best Time
Summer for sculpture garden
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Access
Sigtún, Laugardalur — bus routes 2,5,14,15 or drive (free parking)
Why Visit
Part of Reykjavík Art Museum, admission is valid for all three museum sites.
Hidden Gems Nearby
The Modernist Building Interior
The interior of Ásmundur's building — domed ceilings, geometric spaces, natural light — is as much a work of art as the sculptures. He designed every detail.
The Sculpture Garden in Summer
Summer afternoons in the sculpture garden with monumental works among green lawns and trees are extraordinarily peaceful — one of the most serene spots in Reykjavík.
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer for sculpture garden
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Access
Sigtún, Laugardalur — bus routes 2,5,14,15 or drive (free parking)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ticket valid for other museums?▾
Yes — Reykjavík Art Museum ticket covers Ásmundarsafn, Hafnarhús and Kjarvalsstaðir for one week.
Can I visit just the sculpture garden?▾
The garden is only accessible during museum hours, but it's included in museum admission.