Reykjavik Art Museum
Ticket valid at all three museums on the same day. Under 18 free. Guided tours in English available June-August.
The Reykjavik Art Museum is housed in three buildings situated across the city. In addition to displaying distinguished Icelandic art and international art, the museum promotes local emerging artists. Combined, the three museums own more than 70,000 pieces.
●Hafnarhus
Tryggvagata 17, downtown by the harbor. Daily 10-5, Thurs to 8.
Located in a refurbished 1930s fish warehouse, this is the largest of the branches.
It houses a permanent collection of Erro, one of Europe’s most notable pop artists. Temporary shows are progressive and experimental. A stylish cafe is popular for lunch and refreshment.
“Reactive Wall” (2009) is a temporary show by artist Mojoko (a pseudonym of Steve Lawler) and software programmer Shan-Liang that shows bright graphics that are seen on a black wall reacting to sound made through a microphone.
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| Erro exhibit at Hafnarhus branch of Reykjavik Art Museum in Iceland |
It houses a permanent collection of Erro, one of Europe’s most notable pop artists. Temporary shows are progressive and experimental. A stylish cafe is popular for lunch and refreshment.
“Reactive Wall” (2009) is a temporary show by artist Mojoko (a pseudonym of Steve Lawler) and software programmer Shan-Liang that shows bright graphics that are seen on a black wall reacting to sound made through a microphone.
●Kjarvalsstadir
Flokagata 24. Daily 10-5.
This branch is in a Nordic-modern building with floor-to-ceiling windows that looks out to Klambratun Park. It is named for influential Iceland painter Johannes S. Kjarval and houses a comprehensive collection of his works. Exhibitions focus on paintings and sculptures of established masters of modern art.
●Asmundarsafn
Sigtun 105. Daily; hrs. vary. Sculpture garden is admission-free.
This sculpture museum is in the former home and workshop of sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson, who designed and constructed most of the building himself. An upstairs dome room gallery doubles as a whispering chamber. Sveinsson’s works are displayed both inside and out.
images and video ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
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| interior of Asmundarsafn sculpture gallery in Reykjavik, Iceland |
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| sculpture garden at Asmundarsafn sculpture gallery in Reykjavik, Iceland |
This sculpture museum is in the former home and workshop of sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson, who designed and constructed most of the building himself. An upstairs dome room gallery doubles as a whispering chamber. Sveinsson’s works are displayed both inside and out.
images and video ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
These museums certainly look worth a visit. It was nice to see something about this side of Iceland. I'm somewhat fascinated with Iceland although I've never been. Much of what I've seen online focused on its fantastic scenery and geothermal pools. The "Reactive Wall" is an interesting exhibit.
ReplyDeleteGood information and rundown on what look to be fascinating curations. Iceland certainly is on our radar.
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate to have visited that mysterious and beautiful country. I love the look at the cultural side too.
ReplyDeleteArt isn't what springs to mind when we think of Iceland. Perhaps we should rethink that.
ReplyDeleteArrgh... put a longer comment but it got wiped out when I clicked on how I wanted to post it! Interesting to learn about this museum in a city I've only visited once but fell in love with at first sight!
ReplyDeleteNice post because I wouldn't have otherwise thought about Iceland's museums!
ReplyDeleteIceland is somewhere I hope to visit. When I think of Iceland I mostly think of the wonders of the outdoors there. It's interesting to have some ideas for other types of places to visit.
ReplyDeleteWe spent three days in Iceland last summer. Didn't get to see this museum though, just the tourist spots. Good you had the time!
ReplyDeleteWell, I have not yet been to Iceland and it seems everyone recommends it. I will be sure to check out the art while there.
ReplyDeleteI've only ever read about Iceland's outdoor attractions but it seems they also have a fascinating cultural scene. The collection of work by pop artist Erro looks especially interesting.
ReplyDeleteWe always look for historical and art museums when we travel to a new city and modern/contemporary art is my favorite. I especially love paintings, collages or sculptures where I'm guessing what they could be and I'm always disappointed when a piece is "Untitled!" Museums are terrific ways to while away an afternoon.
ReplyDeleteWhen I visited Reykjavik in the 80s it was still a small town with hardly anything to see! It's obviously changed a lot since then - those museums look well worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteThese museums look very interesting. Your information would be very useful for anyone considering a visit!
ReplyDeleteThat is a museum that I think I would enjoy. I'd like to see more of Erro. Seems like a pretty unique pop artist.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this, I was not only impressed by the art, but by the construction of the museum itself. It looks like it was designed to let in as much light in so you can truly see the colors of the paintings.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing any other side of Iceland with me. I just know about its beautiful scenery. All the pictures are nice and I like the building of museum as Wiliam has mentioned, to have an area full of light for exhibition.
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