Reykjavik Art Museum

Reykjavik Art Museum

If you want to experience the cutting-edge edge of modern Icelandic art, a visit to the Reykjavik Art Museum is a must. Established in 1973, it is the largest visual arts museum in Iceland. The Reykjavik Art Museum is composed of three museums located in different parts of Reykjavik: Kjarvalsstaðir Art Museum, the Hafnarhús New Museum in the city, and the Ásmundarsafn Museum.

The Reykjavik Art Museum is home to the country’s largest collection of artworks, as well as its biggest gallery exhibition space. Spanning over 3,000 square meters, its galleries host more than 20 exhibitions each year on a wide variety of themes, including works from the museum’s own collection, contemporary pieces by young artists, and works by internationally renowned artists.

Among them, Kjarvalsstaðir, opened in 1973, is named after Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885–1972), one of Iceland’s most beloved painters. Many of his works are on display here, along with contemporary Icelandic art and 20th-century international architectural design pieces. The Hafnarhús New Museum underwent a major renovation in April 2000 and now features six galleries, a courtyard, and a multimedia room. Its exhibitions mainly showcase works by popular Icelandic artist Erró from various periods, as well as those by emerging artists. As for Ásmundarsafn, more precisely a sculpture museum, it is dedicated to the art of Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893–1982), a prominent Icelandic sculptor.

Reykjavik Art Museum

Must-visit reason: Iceland’s largest visual arts museum

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Iceland

Province/State: Greater Reykjavík Region

City: Reykjavik