Reykjavík
Artist-led contemporary art

The Living Art Museum

A unique venue for experimental contemporary art and artist-led archives in Reykjavík.

ArtContemporary

Discover innovative contemporary art at The Living Art Museum, showcasing engaging exhibitions, international collaborations, and experimental projects. Visitors can explore modern installations and diverse visual arts in a dynamic exhibition space.

A dedicated contemporary art space presenting forward-thinking exhibitions, creative collaborations, and diverse works by modern visual artists.

The Living Art Museum
About The Living Art Museum

Located in Reykjavík, The Living Art Museum is a vital hub for contemporary art, showcasing experimental visual arts and collaborative projects. As an active platform for local and international artists, the venue hosts a rotating schedule of diverse exhibitions. Visitors can engage with thought-provoking modern works and experience the ongoing evolution of progressive artistic practices.

White multi-story building facade with grid of large windows and central entrance marked Marshall House 20
The Living Art Museum opening hours in Reykjavík

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for The Living Art Museum. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Reykjavík.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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12:00-18:00
12:00-18:00
12:00-18:00
12:00-18:00
12:00-18:00
Finding The Living Art Museum in Reykjavík

The Living Art Museum is situated at Grandagarður 20 in Reykjavík, set within the Capital Region's dynamic harbor district. Housed inside the Marshall House, this location places visitors at the heart of Iceland's experimental contemporary art scene. It provides an ideal geographic anchor for those looking to experience innovative visual art exhibitions and progressive creative practices.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Grandagarður 20

101 Reykjavík

Capital Region, IS

Planning Your Visit to The Living Art Museum

Located at the Marshall House in Reykjavík, The Living Art Museum offers a space for experimental contemporary art. Visitors can view exhibitions alongside an extensive archive of Icelandic artist-led practice. It is recommended to check the museum's schedule in advance to confirm current opening hours and entry guidelines before planning your arrival.

Planning Your Visit to The Living Art Museum

Contemporary Art Experience at The Living Art Museum

The Living Art Museum in Reykjavík provides an immersive encounter with experimental visual arts and forward-thinking curation. Visitors can explore a regularly changing roster of contemporary art exhibitions that highlight works from both local and international collectives. The gallery spaces showcase innovative installations and collaborative projects, inviting guests to engage with progressive artistic expressions. Through curated seasonal displays and insightful publications, the venue serves as a vital hub for the evolution of modern visual expression.

A group of adults and children standing in a gallery space looking at four white framed artworks on a wall.

The History of The Living Art Museum

Founded in 1978 by twenty-six artists, The Living Art Museum was established as Iceland's first **artist-run, non-profit museum** dedicated to contemporary art. The institution expanded its exhibition mission in 1981, quickly becoming a prominent venue for performance art. Following several relocations, including a move to the suburb of Breiðholt in 2014, the museum relocated in 2017 to the second floor of The Marshallhouse, a former herring factory in Reykjavík.

  • Established in 1978

    1978Founding

    The Living Art Museum was founded on January 5, 1978, by a group of twenty-six artists. It was created as the first artist-run, non-profit organization in Iceland, focusing on preserving works that were then largely ignored by public authorities.

  • Expansion into exhibition space in 1981

    1981Milestone

    In 1981, the museum expanded its mission by founding the Living Art Museum Gallery. This transition made the institution a prominent venue for performance art in the 1980s in addition to its ongoing collection efforts.

  • Expansion of Vatnsstígur 3b in 1983

    1983Construction

    The museum occupied a 200 m2 space at Vatnsstígur 3b, which was expanded by the addition of another floor in October 1983. This building served as a central site for the museum's operations until the lease was terminated in 1989.

  • Relocation to Völvufell in 2014

    2014Relocation

    In early June 2014, the museum moved its collection, archives, and research facilities to Völvufell 13-21 in the Reykjavík suburb of Breiðholt. The location included a temporary gallery space in a former bakery where the museum remained for nearly three years.

  • Move to The Marshallhouse in 2017

    2017Relocation

    In early 2017, the museum relocated to the second floor of The Marshallhouse in Reykjavík's downtown harbor area. The facility is a former herring factory that was renovated by architects Kurt og Pí to house the museum, Kling & Bang, and Studio Ólafur Elíasson.

Latest museum updates from The Living Art Museum
Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Reykjavík
Read the newest updates from The Living Art Museum, including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Reykjavík.
Exploring the Experimental Vision of The Living Art Museum

Exploring the Experimental Vision of The Living Art Museum

Discover the unique mission of The Living Art Museum, an artist-run institution that challenges traditional art systems through collective practices. Learn how the museum balances its role as a contemporary exhibition space with its vital work preserving Icelandic art history through its extensive archive.

MuseumContemporary ArtReykjavikArtist-Run
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Annual Meeting of The Living Art Museum 2026

Annual Meeting of The Living Art Museum 2026

The Living Art Museum invites members to its 2026 annual meeting at the Marshall House in Reykjavík. Attendees will discuss board elections, the museum's annual accounts, and participate in critical conversations regarding the future of the museum's art collection storage facilities.

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2026 Annual Meeting and Board Elections at The Living Art Museum

2026 Annual Meeting and Board Elections at The Living Art Museum

The Living Art Museum invites its members to the 2026 annual meeting at Marshall House. The agenda covers board elections, a review of the 2025 financial year, and critical discussions regarding the future of the museum's art collection and storage facilities.

GovernanceMembersEvents
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Upcoming Events and Winter Schedule at The Living Art Museum

Upcoming Events and Winter Schedule at The Living Art Museum

The Living Art Museum has shared its schedule for the start of 2026, including the upcoming 48th-anniversary celebration and the first solo exhibition of the new year. Visitors can also find important details regarding the museum's holiday office closure dates.

EventsExhibitionsMuseum Update
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The Living Art Museum Joins Call for Solidarity Action

The Living Art Museum Joins Call for Solidarity Action

The board and staff of The Living Art Museum have announced their formal participation in the mass protest for Palestine occurring in Reykjavík. Members and the public are invited to join the museum in gathering at Austurvöllur to demonstrate collective solidarity. This initiative highlights the institution's commitment to standing against the destruction of culture and humanity.

AnnouncementSolidarityEvents
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Extended Call: Artist Residency in Clermont-Ferrand

Extended Call: Artist Residency in Clermont-Ferrand

The Living Art Museum has extended the application deadline for a six-week residency in Clermont-Ferrand, France. This research-focused opportunity is open to artists living in Iceland and provides studio space, a stipend, and professional mentorship. Interested applicants have until August 31, 2025, to submit their materials.

Open CallResidencyContemporary ArtArtist Opportunity
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Sequences XII: Pause Biennial at The Living Art Museum

Sequences XII: Pause Biennial at The Living Art Museum

The Living Art Museum hosts the twelfth edition of the Sequences Biennial, titled Pause, from 10 to 20 October 2025. Curated by Daría Sól Andrews, this contemporary art festival features exhibitions, performances, and lectures focused on themes of slowness, reflection, and the different rhythms of time.

BiennialContemporary ArtExhibitionEvents
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Call for artist applications: Residency in Clermont-Ferrand

Call for artist applications: Residency in Clermont-Ferrand

The Living Art Museum has launched an open call for artists based in Iceland to participate in a six-week research residency in Clermont-Ferrand, France. This cross-residency program offers studio space, a stipend, and mentorship, allowing artists to focus on experimentation without the requirement of final production. Applications are open until August 10, 2025.

Open CallResidencyArtistsInternational Opportunity
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The Living Art Museum FAQ: Hours, Hints, and Helpful Answers

Curious about visiting The Living Art Museum in Reykjavik? While we might not have all the answers regarding parking spot coordinates or secret contact lines, we can absolutely promise that we are wide open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00, making Monday and Tuesday our official days of artistic rest.

Is The Living Art Museum open on Mondays?

No, The Living Art Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, opening for visitors starting on Wednesdays.

What are the weekend opening hours for The Living Art Museum?

The weekend opening hours for The Living Art Museum are 12:00 to 18:00 on both Saturdays and Sundays.

What time does The Living Art Museum close?

The Living Art Museum closes at 18:00 on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

What are the opening hours of The Living Art Museum?

The Living Art Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Planning Your Visit to The Living Art Museum

When preparing for a visit to The Living Art Museum in Reykjavik, visitors can look forward to exploring experimental contemporary art and a rich archive of Icelandic artist-led practice. Located at the Marshall House, this non-profit institution provides an engaging space for modern creativity. Reviewing the museum's current exhibition and archive access guidelines prior to arrival is recommended to help plan a smooth and rewarding experience.

Who Should Visit The Living Art Museum

The Living Art Museum in Reykjavík is well-suited for visitors with a strong interest in contemporary art and experimental visual practices. The venue showcases innovative installations, collaborative projects, and progressive works by both local and international artists. As an active platform for living artistic practices, the museum offers an immersive environment ideal for those looking to engage with thought-provoking and evolving art forms. Visitors seeking traditional or historical art galleries may find the focus here highly modern, making it an excellent fit for individuals eager to explore the cutting edge of the visual arts scene.

Visual Preview of The Living Art Museum

Explore the visual identity of The Living Art Museum in Reykjavik, located within the striking Marshall House by the harbor. Images highlight the building's bright white facade and expansive windows overlooking the waterfront. Inside, the exhibition spaces feature distinctive checkered floors, minimalist galleries hosting experimental contemporary art, and scenes from the museum's extensive artistic archives.

Pink stylized wordmark reading 'NÓ' in bold magenta and light pink overlapping letters
White multi-story building facade with grid of large windows and central entrance marked Marshall House 20
White multi-story Marshall House building with large grid windows along a rocky waterfront under a clear blue sky
Stack of white books titled 'Archive on the Run' arranged on a checkered beige and cream tile floor
A group of adults and children standing in a gallery space looking at four white framed artworks on a wall.
Snow-covered exterior of a two-story concrete building with a red roof railing and a large green NÝ text overlay
Reykjavík

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