Art exhibitions in Reykjavik
Reykjavík may be a small capital, but it has a surprisingly varied art scene. Museums across the city showcase everything from historic Icelandic paintings and sculpture to photography, design, and experimental contemporary art.
You can also find independent galleries, artist-run spaces, and exhibitions featuring both established and emerging Icelandic artists. Whether you have an afternoon or several days, these are some of the best places to see art exhibitions in Reykjavík.
12 Best Places to See Art Exhibitions in Reykjavík
Many of Reykjavík's main art galleries and exhibits are located in or near the city center. A few on this list are in the neighboring municipalities of Kópavogur, Garðabær, and Hafnarfjörður. This makes them easy additions if you want to explore the wider capital area.
1. Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
Reykjavík Art Museum is the leading art museum in Iceland, with three locations across the city. Together, they hold the country’s largest collection of art. The Hafnarhús branch, located near the Old Harbor, hosts rotating exhibitions by Icelandic and international artists. This includes works by prominent Icelandic artist Erró.
Practical information about Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús:
- Location: Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00–17:00; until 22:00 on Thursdays
- Admission: ISK 2,550 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and disabled persons
2. Reykjavík Art Museum – Kjarvalsstaðir
Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir sits beside Klambratún Park and focuses on modern and contemporary art. It holds works by many influential Icelandic artists, particularly Jóhannes S. Kjarval. Temporary exhibitions introduce visitors to other important figures in Icelandic and international art.
Practical information about Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir:
- Location: Flókagata 24, 105 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00–17:00
- Admission: ISK 2,550 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and disabled persons
3. Reykjavík Art Museum – Ásmundarsafn
Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn is dedicated to the work of sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson. The distinctive building was partly designed by the artist himself and once served as his home and studio. Sculptures can also be found in the surrounding garden.
Practical information about Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn:
- Location: Sigtún 105, 105 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Daily from 13:00–17:00
- Admission: ISK 2,550 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and disabled persons
4. The National Gallery of Iceland
Set beside Tjörnin Pond, the National Gallery of Iceland is a great place to explore the country’s artistic treasures. Its collection spans the 19th century to today, with works by prominent Icelandic and international artists. You can also browse English-language books on Icelandic art in the museum shop.
Practical information about the National Gallery of Iceland:
- Location: Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00–17:00
- Admission: ISK 2,500 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and disabled persons
5. The House of Collections
The House of Collections, also known as Safnahúsið or the Culture House, is part of the National Gallery of Iceland. Its exhibitions explore Icelandic art and cultural heritage through works from the national collection. The historic building dates to the early 20th century and features a grand staircase and arched windows.
Practical information about the House of Collections:
- Location: Hverfisgata 15, 101 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00–17:00
- Admission: ISK 2,500 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and disabled persons
Note: A single admission ticket gives you access to both the National Gallery of Iceland and the House of Collections.
6. Reykjavík Museum of Photography
Photography takes center stage at this museum inside Grófarhús. Its program combines historical and contemporary photography from Iceland and abroad. Reykjavík Museum of Photography's extensive archive also documents Icelandic life and society from the 19th century onward.
Practical information about Reykjavík Museum of Photography:
- Location: Tryggvagata 15, 101 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Thu 10:00–18:00; Fri 11:00–18:00; Sat to Sun 13:00–17:00
- Admission: ISK 1,400 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and disabled persons
7. Einar Jónsson Museum
Located beside Hallgrímskirkja, this museum is dedicated to Einar Jónsson, one of Iceland’s pioneering sculptors. Visitors can explore his former home and studio, along with a large collection of his works. The outdoor sculpture garden features several bronze casts. It’s open 24/7 and requires no ticket, making it one of the best free things to do in Reykjavík.
Practical information about Einar Jónsson Museum:
- Location: Hallgrímstorg 3, 101 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Daily from 10:00–17:00
- Admission: ISK 1,500 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and disabled persons
8. Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum
The Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum occupies the sculptor's former home and studio on the Laugarnes peninsula. It displays sculptures, sketches, drawings, and other material relating to his career. Exhibitions sometimes place his work in conversation with other artists.
Practical information about Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum:
- Location: Laugarnestangi 70, 105 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Tue to Sun 13:00–17:00 (1 June–15 Sept); Sat to Sun 13:00–17:00 (16 Sept–31 May); closed in December and January
- Admission: ISK 1,000 for adults; free for visitors under 18 and disabled persons
9. Living Art Museum (Nýló) – Reykjavík
The Living Art Museum, known locally as Nýló, is an artist-run museum in Marshall House in Reykjavík’s Grandi district. Founded in 1978, it is a leading venue for contemporary art, showcasing experimental works by Icelandic and international artists through regularly changing exhibitions.
Practical information about The Living Art Museum:
- Location: Grandagarður 20, 101 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Wed – Sun, 12:00-18:00
- Admission: Free
11. Museum of Design and Applied Art
Head to Garðabær to explore Icelandic design from around 1900 to the present. Exhibitions cover areas such as furniture, fashion, architecture, product design, and crafts. The Museum of Design and Applied Art also regularly works with contemporary designers through exhibitions and residencies.
Practical information about the Museum of Design and Applied Art:
- Location: Garðatorg 1, 210 Garðabær
- Opening hours: Tue to Sun 12:00–17:00
- Admission: ISK 1,000 for adults; free for visitors under 18, students, and disabled persons
12. Hafnarborg
Hafnarborg is the center of culture and fine art in Hafnarfjörður. The museum organizes rotating exhibitions by Icelandic and international artists and maintains its own art collection. It also hosts concerts, talks, and other Icelandic cultural events throughout the year.
Practical information about Hafnarborg:
- Location: Strandgata 34, 220 Hafnarfjörður
- Opening hours: Wed to Mon 12:00–17:00
- Admission: Free
Smaller Venues and Artist-Run Spaces
Beyond the major museums, Reykjavík has a lively mix of independent galleries and artist-run spaces. These smaller venues are great for discovering contemporary art, emerging Icelandic artists, and regularly rotating exhibitions.
Here are smaller art exhibitions in Reykjavík worth checking out:
- Kling & Bang: Non-profit, artist-run space showcasing emerging and established artists
- i8 Gallery: Established contemporary art gallery with locations at Tryggvagata and Grandi, showcasing Icelandic and international artists
- Þula: Commercial gallery space in downtown Reykjavík bringing modern Icelandic art currents to the public
- BERG Contemporary: Housed in a former glass factory, presenting abstract, bold, and innovative contemporary art
- Ásmundarsalur: Privately-run cultural space near Hallgrímskirkja, hosting modern art and design exhibitions
- Gallerí Fold: Iceland’s leading fine art gallery and auction house
- Art Gallery 101: Cooperative gallery in Laugavegur showcasing works by 14 local artists across various mediums
- Dead Gallery/Studio: Independent gallery and art space dedicated to the work of artist Jón Sæmundur Auðarson
Good to know: The Marshall House in the Grandi District is home to The Living Art Museum (Nýló), Kling & Bang, i8 Grandi, and Þula. This makes it easy to visit several art spaces in one stop.
Art Events and Festivals in Reykjavík to Look Out For
Several events throughout the year offer even more ways to experience Reykjavík’s art and culture. Keep an eye out for special exhibitions, performances, and programs across the city.
Culture Night (Menningarnótt)
Culture Night is one of Reykjavík's biggest annual celebrations. Held in August, it fills the city center with concerts, performances, exhibitions, and other events. Museums and galleries often organize special programs, and many offer free entry during the celebration.
Reykjavík Arts Festival
The Reykjavík Arts Festival is a biennial celebration covering visual art, music, theater, dance, literature, and other creative fields. Events take place at cultural venues around Reykjavík and elsewhere in Iceland. The 2026 festival ran from 30 May to 14 June, so check the program and dates for the next edition.
Tips for Visiting Art Exhibitions in Reykjavík
Many of Reykjavík’s museums and galleries are easy to visit while exploring the city. Keep these practical tips in mind when planning your art stops:
- Check current exhibitions: Temporary shows change throughout the year, so look at museum and gallery websites before visiting.
- Check opening hours: Hours may change seasonally and during public holidays.
- Consider the Reykjavík City Card: It includes free entry to Reykjavík Art Museum, The House of Collections, and several other cultural attractions.
- Look for a guided tour: Museums and galleries regularly organize tours, talks, and special events that provide additional context for the exhibitions.
- Explore on foot: Many downtown art galleries and museums are within walking distance of one another, perfect for a walkable itinerary in Reykjavík.
- Stay centrally: A downtown base makes it easier to visit several exhibitions in one day. Center Hotels properties can be found throughout central Reykjavík, close to many museums and galleries.
Discover Reykjavík Through Its Art
Art exhibitions in Reykjavík offer another way to understand Iceland's culture, history, and creative community. You can see the work of influential sculptors, explore the national collection, or discover what contemporary Icelandic artists are creating today.
With museums, independent galleries, and creative spaces spread across the Greater Reykjavík Area, there’s always something different to see. Check what's on during your trip and make room for a few exhibitions alongside Reykjavík's top attractions.
Visiting an art museum is also a great rainy-day activity in Reykjavík or a way to enjoy slow travel in Iceland. With museums, independent galleries, and creative spaces across the Greater Reykjavík Area, there’s always something different to see. Check what’s on during your trip and make room for a few exhibitions alongside Reykjavík’s top attractions.
FAQs
Is there an art museum in Reykjavík, Iceland?
Yes, Reykjavík has several art museums, including Reykjavík Art Museum and the National Gallery of Iceland. It’s also home to several museums dedicated to artists such as Einar Jónsson and Sigurjón Ólafsson.
Are art galleries in Reykjavík free?
Many smaller commercial and independent art galleries offer free entry. Major museums generally charge admission, although some offer free entry to children or during special cultural events.
Are Reykjavík art museums open year-round?
Yes, most major art museums in Reykjavík are open year-round, although opening hours may change during holidays. Some smaller museums, including the Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum, have seasonal schedules.
Who is Iceland’s most famous artist?
Jóhannes S. Kjarval is one of Iceland's most celebrated artists, particularly known for his paintings of Icelandic landscapes. Other internationally recognized Icelandic artists include Erró and contemporary artist Ragnar Kjartansson.
What crafts is Iceland known for?
Iceland is particularly known for wool and textile work, ceramics, jewelry, and contemporary design. You can see examples at galleries, studios, and the Museum of Design and Applied Art in the Reykjavík capital area.